A ship that sank 167 years ago and contains a cargo of exceptionally rare ceramics has been granted government protection.

The move from Historic England will ensure the vessel that submerged just four miles from Folkestone Harbour is guarded from divers attempting to claim the goods.

The treasures that lie 23 metres deep on the Channel's seabed are in pristine condition and could be "important gaps to fill" for museums.

The 'Josephine Willis' claimed the lives of 70 people when it collided with a steamer Mangerton on February 3, 1856 – 35 people were rescued.

The 1,000-tonne ship, launched in 1854, was transporting British people to New Zealand.

Duncan Wilson, chief executive of Historic England, believes the protection of the ship will help improve our knowledge of the Victorian export ceramics.

"The sinking of this passenger ship is a sad story of ordinary people being lost to the sea," he said.

"The other side to this story is of the rare cargo on board which gives us clues to help improve our knowledge of the Victorian export ceramics industry in the mid-19th century. The Josephine Willis fully deserves protection.

The Folkestone 501 diving club discovered the shipwreck, which is one of hundreds buried under the sea off the Kent coast, back in 2018.

The ceramics include cups, plates, bowels and other rare artefacts.

Graham Scott, marine archaeologist at Wessex Archaeology, said: "These ceramics are both ordinary and special.

"Not only do they help shine a light on Victorian industry and trade and the lives of emigrants, but they also help fill important gaps in the collections that those museums preserve and display for us.”

Only one other record for a ship of this type is held on the National Record is located just off the coast of Dorset.