THE renovation of a ship, celebrating its 183rd birthday today, may not be completed because of a cash crisis.

Jobs could be lost if funding can not be secured for the work on HMS Trincomalee, which sailed into Hartlepool to be renovated more than a decade ago.

Funding for the project could soon dry up because Lottery bosses have apparently refused a grant to complete the work.

Although discussions are still ongoing, the dream of creating a multi-million pound visitors centre in Hartlepool for the ship is now in doubt, as are up to 32 jobs on the site.

Trincomalee Trust project manager Bryn Hughes said: "The trust is very concerned by the Lottery's decision.

"The completion of the ship is fundamental to our future strategy for establishing a visitor centre, and displaying the ship to maximum public advantage in order that it can have a viable future here in Hartlepool."

But officials at the Heritage lottery fund have claimed funding has not been withdrawn for the renovation, but they have admitted they will not pay for the running costs of the Trincomalee.

According to Mr Hughes, this lack of funding could cause the project to fold.

Mr Hughes said: "The lines of communication between the trust and the Heritage Lottery Fund remain firmly open and we are continuing to discuss this very serious matter on a daily basis to find an equitable solution."

While discussions are ongoing, work on the ship is continuing, and Mr Hughes said there would be no time to interrupt contractors to celebrate HMS Trincomalee's birthday