A COUPLE who won £2.1m on the National Lottery are being sued by a florist over an £815 bill.

Ashlie and John Chapman, who won the money in 1998, are being taken to the Small Claims Court by Susan Maher.

The wrangle over the flowers began last year when the couple, along with a business partner, opened Cliffy's Pub, in Easington Colliery, County Durham.

Ms Maher, who owns the In Bloom florist shop, in Easington Colliery, says she was asked to make artificial floral decorations for the pub.

The Chapmans ordered flowers in the upstairs and downstairs lounges, concert room, staircase and the toilets.

The displays were in place by October 15 last year for the opening night of the pub.

But, when Ms Maher sent the bill for £815, she said that Mr and Mrs Chapman refused to pay, saying they had set a budget of £350 for flowers.

Now the 34-year-old florist, who opened her business seven years ago, is taking the couple to court over claims they failed to put a limit on spending for decorations.

Ms Maher said: "Ashlie had been a customer of mine since I opened, and I actually did them cheaper because it was a bulk order."

Mr Chapman, 39, said: "It is a private matter and we do not want to comment on it.

"The truth will come out in court."

The case is due to be heard at Sunderland County Court on Friday, May 20.

Mr and Mrs Chapman, along with Mrs Chapman's mother, won £2,102,691.