UNION chiefs are preparing papers to start legal action against the owners of Newcastle Jesters ice hockey club, over unpaid wages.

Players and staff at the club were due to be paid on February 14. But the cheques, believed to total about £50,000, have still not arrived from owners Fablon of London, it is claimed.

A club insider said the waiting staff and players had not been given an explanation as to why the money had not arrived.

The players are staying quiet and leaving the matter to the Ice Hockey Players Association (IHPA), their union.

But the source said: "We have been assured that it will be sorted out but, of course, with every day that passes the players are becoming more anxious."

IHPA executive director Jo Collins said if the situation continued she would be writing to warn of the legal action.

All but one of the players, are from America, Canada and Europe, and are waiting to return to their home countries. But, they are unable and unwilling to do so until they get their money.