A BUILDING company has said that Paul Gascoigne's best friend, Jimmy "Five Bellies" Gardner, owes them thousands of pounds.

But the former Newcastle United player's sidekick has denied all knowledge of the bankruptcy proceedings against him.

Court papers have been lodged by building company Wolseley to recover thousands of pounds it said it is owed by the father-of-two.

The company has instructed North Yorkshire solicitors firm LCL to begin proceedings against the 39-year-old, who lives in Dunston, Gateshead.

A bankruptcy petition has been filed at Newcastle County Court with a hearing set for this month.

It is understood the money claimed by the company relates to a store in Woodbine Road, Sunderland.

Mr Gardner said: "I know nothing about it whatsoever.

"This is a load of rubbish. I do not even have an account with this company. There is no way I could owe them money.

"I am not in business, so why would I have an account with the company? It is nonsense."

A spokesman for Wolseley said: "Due to the nature of our business, we cannot comment on any matters involving our clients."