DIY company B&Q has threatened court action against a businessman who named his new hardware store B&Screw.

Landlord and businessman John Finn recieved a letter from the hardware chain's lawyer saying the name for his latest business venture, in West Wear Street, Sunderland, infringes its trademark.

But the 34-year-old said he could not understand what all the fuss was about.

He said: "I have had a DIY store before, and all I am doing is opening another one which sells bolts and screws, so I have called it B&Screw.

"It is not about getting at them, I am just going to be selling bolts and screws."

A B&Q spokesman said: "B&Q has an interest to protect its brand. Mr Finn's company is called Bolts and Screws - our concern is that he has chosen to shorten this to B&Screw, which may cause some confusion to the public.

"A letter was sent on our behalf to inform Mr Finn of his legal obligation not to infringe our trademark."