A NORTH-EAST bridal company being forced to change its name by the Chloe Parisian fashion house is still hoping to win compensation towards the estimated £20,000 cost.

Chloe Bridal Wear was forced into the name change because of the threat of legal action by Chloe, in Paris, which claimed that its trademark had been infringed.

Staff were taking down the last of the signs at its shops in Darlington, County Durham, yesterday, in preparation for a change to its new name, Manhattan House.

Claire Bartlett, 27, who set up Chloe Bridal Wear with her mother, Mary, said: "We have been advised that Chloe in Paris could help us towards the cost, although personally I don't think it will happen. It would be good to get some financial help, though, as this is costing an awful lot of money."

Mrs Bartlett said it was still "business as usual" for the company, which also has a shop in Newcastle.

She said: "I do feel really sad about this, but we like to think of it as a new beginning. None of our customers should worry that we have changed or had a takeover - we have just now got a different name."

No one from Chloe in Paris, which employs designer Stella McCartney, the daughter of former Beatle Sir Paul, was available for comment last night