zanussi td 523 tumble dryer?

Hi, i have a Zanussi TD 523 Tumble Dryer, which has developed a fault. It's not heating up to dry the clothes at all, rotates both ways fine. So i took off the top and swithched on the Dryer, i noticed that the heating element worked until it was red hot then died out on the first occasion. Is this normal? Also if this isn't the problem could you tell me what is? Thanks!