Creda 37747 tumble dryer not heating?

The heating element will not heat on my Creda 37747 tumble dryer. I have read several postings and see that it is probably the thermostats on the back of the element - one of them has definately blown (inards have crumbled!).

I have tried a paper clip between the terminals but there is no power across it (using an electric tester no lights show up). Before I spend c.£25 on a thermostat kit (2 new ones), how can I tell whether it is just the blown thermostat or some other fault?

Many thanks in advance for any advice on this.

Stuart
October 2010