THE directors of a North-East crane company have agreed to a disqualification from running any company for five years.

Michael, 50, and Josephine Coleman, 41, of Westpark Drive, Darlington, agreed to the ban after their company, Height Gain Services Ltd, collapsed with debts of more than £129,505.

The couple ran the company from the Cleveland Trading Estate, in Cleveland Street, Darlington, until September 5, 2001, when it was wound-up.

The Insolvency Service ordered the disqualification because of a number of issues of unfit conduct.

The couple have agreed not to be directors of a company for five years or to manage, set up or promote a business. Their agreement means that the case does not have to be heard by a court.

The case was brought after they tried to pay creditors with money that should have been used to settle unpaid tax bills.

They paid £2,125 to another company, TCB Caravan and Motor Homes Ltd, of which Mr Coleman was director and Mrs Coleman was secretary.

If Mr and Mrs Coleman breach the disqualification, they could face a prison sentence of up to two years or a fine. They could also be held personally responsible for the company's debts.