A BUSINESSMAN awaiting trial on drugs charges has closed his chain of fitness centres across the North-East.

Martin Yates Brown said he had to cease trading because he was unable to pay staff at the Classic World of Fitness chain.

Gyms at Darlington, Newton Aycliffe, Bishop Auckland and Crook were locked up for the last time on Saturday night, leaving about 25 staff without a job and scores of members out of pocket.

Bodybuilder Mr Yates Brown, who counts film star Arnold Schwarzenegger as a friend, is expected to appear in court in February to face charges of conspiracy to supply drugs.

And as a result of restrictions placed on him by Customs and Excise officials, Mr Yates Brown says he has been unable to borrow the money which would have enabled the business to continue.

Mr Yates Brown, who has built his business up over more than 20 years, said: "Enough is enough. We've decided to pull the plug.

"I've never been in such a frustrating position because we're not talking about an awful lot to keep the business going, but nobody would lend me the money."

The clubs have about 2,000 members, most of whom pay their membership fees by standing order and they should be unaffected. But the 200 or so clients who pay fees up front will be out of pocket.

Mr Yates Brown added: "We bitterly regret this situation, but we could not expect the staff to work another day without being paid and we were unable to secure enough funds.

"We're particularly disappointed for the members, who love the facilities. I'm also bitterly disappointed for my family, particularly my wife, Kathleen."