A COACH firm fears it is losing business because of the scandal that led to the collapse of Durham Travel Services.

National publicity has affected another travel firm, Lees Coaches - also known as Lees of Durham - which has no connection with Durham Travel Services and is still going strong.

But people who have read the story of the disgraced boss are getting the surname Lee mixed up.

Colin Lee, a director of the family firm based at Langley Moor, said people think the firm has collapsed and are asking about refunds. He said the number of enquiries has dropped off.

He said: "People are not reading it properly. They see the name Lee and are putting two and two together. It was a joke at first but it is hitting us now. I would say we are down by about 20 or 25 per cent.

"We must have lost some trade because we are not getting the bookings. If people aren't ringing us, they are ringing someone else.

"We have been here for a long time and we aim to stay here."