The Trust is has pledged £100,000 a year for two years to the Industrial Trust to promote Britain's heritage.

It wants visitors to go on guided tours of factories to see how the country's industry has evolved.

The organisation is normally associated with stately homes like Chatsworth in Derbyshire

The project was launched at Sheffield's Innovation Centre on Thursday.

The Industrial Trust aims to bring together industrial partners to promote public access to live manufacturing and production.

Possible projects include establishing a joint venture between the Industrial Trust and Tower Colliery, near Hirwaun in South Wales, which is wholly owned by the workforce.

Charles Nunneley, Chairman of the National Trust, said: "Heritage organisations such as the National Trust have a rich and diverse collection of industrial heritage sites enjoyed by thousands of visitors every year.

"Efforts by organisations such as the Industrial Trust to broaden this experience to include the industries of today deserve strong encouragement."

It is hoped that the scheme will encourage more youngsters to think about careers in industry.

Daytrippers will be encouraged to tour factories

A Director of the Industrial Trust, Peter Mitchell, said: "Industry is renewing itself all the time and it is important that we capture and learn from these changes and developments as they happen. Industry is key to the life of the United Kingdom."