CRISIS talks have been called at Britain's newest heritage railway line after bosses admitted a cash-flow problem.

Workers at Weardale Railway Limited have only received two weeks of their monthly pay because that is all the venture could afford.

Company director Steve Raine said there were short-term issues regarding cash-flow.

He said: "We have been working with consultants on a revised business plan, which our funders are currently reviewing. We hope to resolve these issues by Thursday, thereby maintaining the success we have already managed to achieve in passenger numbers and creating a new tourist business in Weardale"

Last night, one of the railway's major funders, regeneration agency One NorthEast, said it had brought in a business consultant to help the railway through the crisis.

John Holmes, director of regeneration and tourism, said: "In an effort to help ensure the future success of the project, a business consultant has been appointed to work with Weardale Railways Limited on a short-term assessment of its business plan.

"We await the consultants' findings which are expected at a further meeting later this week."

Since opening in summer, the venture has attracted thousands of visitors to the dale. It also recently enjoyed sell-out success with its Santa Special runs. But the area's county councillor, John Shuttleworth, said he was not surprised the railway had hit problems.

He said: "It doesn't appear to have been run in a business-like manner and I think that at this time the Weardale Railway should not be allowed to purchase the line from Network Rail."