“YOU guys make me sick.”

Peter Jones is at his acerbic best.

Standing at the mercy of the BBC's Dragons' Den five fiery protagonists, it's not quite the welcome North-East entrepreneurs Dr Ganesh Rao and Tim Harwood hoped for.

The programme is renowned for its reputation as an unforgiving cauldron that devours ill-conceived pitches and treats flawed ideas with utter disdain.

However, this time, the telecoms boss isn't referring to the 35-year-olds' business plan, it's their youthful looks that's have him so irked.

Dr Rao, a medical doctor, and Mr Haywood, a laser eye surgery trained optometrist, are founders of Newcastle-based treatmentsaver.com, which aims to capture a major part of a growing £5bn market.

Dr Rao says the website allows people to save money by comparing laser eye surgery, cosmetic surgery and beauty clinics and book appointments online.

Last night, (Sunday, March 2) the pair appeared on the latest edition of the BBC Two programme, looking for a £100,000 investment from the five dragons, including Darlington-based Duncan Bannatyne, for a 20 per cent stake in the business.

Dr Rao, from Jesmond, North Tyneside, said they beat off competition to take part in the show from more than 5,000 applicants, and although investment was sadly not forthcoming, the experience will hold them in good stead in the future.

He said: “The whole experience was great and we must have put in more preparation and work than anyone else that has appeared on the show.

“We watched every single episode, right back from series one, and got to the point where we could answer questions from our pitch in our sleep.

“It was like studying for medical finals again, it was that intense.

“The filming was quite nerve-racking and when they put you in the lift and you walk into the den, that is pretty daunting.

“It was a bit strange having people put make-up on you too.

“At one stage, Peter Jones told us we make him sick.

“That was a bit worrying until he said it was we looked so young for our ages.

“The whole process was quite intense from the first minute, and there was quite a bit back and forth between us and the dragons as we tried to explain the business and where we thought they had missed some of our points.”

Despite their disappointment at failing to secure investment, Dr Rao said the experience was incredibly positive and they left with a real sense of purpose to prove the dragons wrong.

He added: “We have nurtured and developed our business for three years, so felt the time was right to take the next step on the show.

“Although we didn't get the investment, what we did get was constructive criticism that will help us in the future and help us prove them wrong.

“Taking part in the programme was a great experience and it pushes you out of your comfort zone.

“It puts you under pressure, makes you thoroughly dissect every aspect of your company, but opens so many new doors at the same time.”

“We’ll never forget it.”

Five minutes with... Dr Ganesh Rao

Favourite North-East building and why? The Tyne Bridge. As soon as I drive down it I know I’m back home.

What was your first job and how much did you get paid? I had a paper round when I was at school.

The pay was pretty lucrative, I got paid in penny sweets.

What is the worst job you have had? I’m lucky to say there hasn’t been a job I’ve not liked.

What would you cook for me if I came around for dinner? I hope you like spicy food because I’d cook pad gai gra pow.

It's a Thai dish with chicken, basil and lots of chillies.

What would your superpower be? Invisibility. I think I could have a lot of fun with that.

Name four people, dead or alive, who would be at your perfect dinner party. Michael Jordan, Bill Gates, Mahatma Gandhi and Britney Spears.

That would be an interesting party.

What is the most expensive thing you have bought – other than car or house – and how much did it cost? A few years ago I bought an entry into the World Championship of Poker, in Las Vegas, which cost me $10,000 and gave me a chance to win $5m.

Sadly that didn’t work out.

Who is the best person to follow on Twitter and why? Lord Alan Sugar.

He says it like it is.

Favourite book? The BFG, by Roald Dahl.

I must have read it about a hundred times when I was growing up.

When did you last cry? I can’t remember, maybe it was after watching Titanic.

What is your greatest achievement? Completing medical school and qualifying as a doctor.

What is the best piece of advice in business you have ever been given? Work hard and be nice to people.

Favourite animal and why? Snakes. I’m scared stiff of them, but I think they are such a cool animal.

Most famous person on your mobile phone? My mum.

What was the last band you saw live? I'm embarrassed to say it was Justin Timberlake.

Describe your perfect night in. A takeaway, a bottle of red and a good movie.

In another life I would be… An NBA superstar.

Who would play you in a film of your life? They would have to have an amazing make up department, but it would have to be Leonardo DiCaprio.

What irritates you? Lazy people. Stop complaining and get on with it.

What is your secret talent? If I told you it wouldn't be a secret.