A SECOND bidder has come forward for Cammell Laird's operations at Hebburn on the Tyne.

Receivers PriceWaterhouseCoopers have confirmed that they have received a second multi-million pound bid for the yard, but refused to name the party concerned.

A statement from PwC said: "We can confirm there has been a new bid for the yard, but the bidder does not wish its name to become public at this time."

On Wednesday, former Cammell Laird deputy managing director Brett Martin said he was leading a buy-out of the business, and unions were meeting him to discuss his plans for the yard yesterday.

Mr Martin and his business partners, ex-managing director John Syvret and engineering director Tom Williams, said they had secured the financial backing to re-establish Cammell in ship repair, refit and conversion work.

But Swan Hunter boss, Jaap Kroese, has pulled out of the running to buy the yard.

He said: "We are not interested in buying Cammell Laird's operation on the Tyne for the forseeable future."

More than 800 workers have lost their jobs at the South Tyneside site since Cammell went into receivership in April.

Cammell crashed with debts of £150m, following the loss of a £50m contract to equip an Italian cruise ship with a new middle section.