Potential buyers eyeing up British Steel have gone on-site at the steelmaker's Teesside bases to carry out "due diligence".

The Official Receiver is hoping to conclude a deal for the business "as quickly as possible" - meanwhile Transport for London has said it will delay a tender for a new steel rail track to give the company the chance to bid.

The mood among hundreds of Teesside workers is said to be "positive", as the Official Receiver was due to confirm "a number of bids" are being worked on with the workforce on Monday.

Redcar MP Anna Turley has rubbished reports a deadline for final offers of midnight on Monday had been imposed and contingency plans were being drawn up as "inaccurate, unhelpful and pessimistic".

The Skinningrove plant, part of British Steel
British Steel's Skinningrove plant; potential buyers are carrying out due diligence at the firm's facilities

The Labour MP tweeted: "Good conference call with the Doncaster British Steel Steering Group.

"All efforts being made to secure buyer and remain very positive.

"Timeframe is urgent obvs but balanced with getting it right.

"Workforce continue to be exceptional. Weekend media speculation inaccurate & unhelpful."

Contingency plans have been "made from the start - as they should be".

"It is not a result of any pessimism about the purchase."

Bidders are at both Teesside and Scunthorpe sites, in what has been described as a 'step forward' for the steelmaker's future.

It comes after reports emerged last week that investment group Greybull Capital has bid for for sites at Lackenby and Skinningrove , which employ around 700 people.

British Steel collapsed into receivership in May, putting at least 25,000 direct and indirect UK jobs under threat.

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said reaching this stage was a "positive step forward", although "regulatory approvals and necessary due diligence would take time".

He added: "I can confirm that Transport for London is delaying a tender for steel for new rail track to give British Steel the opportunity to bid.

"I’ll be pushing this behind the scenes over the coming days and weeks.

"British Steel’s customers have been exceptionally helpful.

"Orders are still being placed and the company’s production pipeline remains healthy."

No deadlines have been given, and the Government will continue to keep the indemnity in place - meaning British Steel will continue to operate as normal.

Boris Johnson has also confirmed that if he becomes PM next week, the indemnity will remain in place.

The company has been bankrolled by the Government, staff have been on full wages since May and no job losses are planned, Mr Houchen added.