An announcement on the sale of the yard is expected in a week

Appledore Shipbuilders went into receivership two weeks ago, with the loss of more than 500 jobs.

The deadline for interested parties ran out at 1700 BST on Wednesday.

No official comment has been made by the receivers, Tenon Recovery, about the particulars of the bids, but the BBC understands that up to three bids may have been submitted.

DML will make every effort to secure the future of the yard and as many employees as possible Peter Whitehouse, DML

It says it is interested in building hulls for super yachts.

"DML can confirm that it has expressed an interest in assuming management and control of the Appledore facility," said Peter Whitehouse, DML's corporate development director.

"DML is already a major West Country employer and will make every effort to secure the future of the yard and as many employees as possible if it takes over the Appledore business.

"Regional and national support will be a key factor in taking these proposals forward if DML's approach is successful," he said.

Appledore had been struggling for months but gave up when its order book was empty.

The receivers then put the shipyard up for sale.

The land and building are not for sale.

What buyers will get is the business itself, along with fixtures, fittings and a short lease on the yard.

No official comment has been made by the receivers, Tenon Recovery, about the particulars of any bids.

However, an announcement is expected in a week's time.