THE BBC has decided not to screen part of its reality TV show Dragons' Den following a dispute between a North-East business tycoon and a technology company.

Darlington-based entrepreneur Duncan Bannatyne threatened legal action after allegations were made by one of the participants in the show.

The millionaire sits on a panel of business entrepreneurs - the dragons of the title - who are willing to invest money in new start-ups.

As part of the programme contestants must pitch their ideas to the dragons. If they are good enough, the dragons may agree to give them the money they need in return for a share in their company.

The threat of legal action has since prompted an apology to Mr Bannatyne from the company concerned, Greenpower Technologies.

The BBC last night confirmed it had withdrawn the programme featuring Mr Bannatyne and Greenpower Technologies, but refused to be drawn on the reason why.

Mr Bannatyne declined to comment on the legal threat but said: "One of the investments that I agreed did not go ahead because statements made during the pitch did not match facts discovered in due diligence. Other investments have gone ahead."

Greenpower's idea was to import technology that turns liquid petroleum gas into diesel for heavy goods vehicles.

A BBC spokeswoman said it took its responsibility for fully briefing investors and entrepreneurs very seriously.

In a statement the BBC said: "The release clause in their contract can only be used if either party does not abide by due diligence or the due diligence process reveals that there were material inaccuracies in the pitch that make the investment unviable.

"It is also made clear, the BBC will not be involved in the business deal beyond the pitch.

"In the case of Duncan Bannatyne and Greenpower Technologies Limited, Mr Bannatyne felt that during the process of due diligence, he did not receive the same information he was given during the pitch."

The company said it had managed to secure investment elsewhere.