TOXIC tuna which put three members of a family in hospital is still having an effect on its victims 14 months after a birthday meal turned to drama.

Twins Stephen and Christine Bowman-Jones and their father Nigel all needed urgent hospital treatment within minutes of starting their birthday meals on July 30, 2000.

As his sister and father were treated, Stephen, now 23, had the worst reaction and medics at Darlington Memorial Hospital had to revive him after he went into anaphylactic shock.

Surprisingly, he was quickest to recover from the illness' effects, but his father, from Stockton, is still having blood tests and Christine has only recently finished having treatment.

However, an investigation by Darlington Borough Council's public health officers has absolved Maxine's restaurant, at the Grange Hotel, Darlington, where they had the meal, of any blame.

Likewise, the fishmonger, which has not been named, which supplied the catch has been cleared, and the officers believe the fish became toxic at the point when it was caught.

Tuna must be kept at less than four degrees celsius from the catch to when it is cooked. Reactions can kick in up to 20 minute after consumption, ranging from a peppery burning in the mouth to, in extreme circumstances, death.

Nigel Bowman-Jones believes the family have been very lucky, despite his blinds and canopies business losing around £16,000 because of his inability to work.

"My mother-in-law, who came with us on this occasion, she's 82. If she had had it, it would have killed her," he said.

"Fortunately, I'm just about over it, hopefully. It was frightening. Stephen's eyes, you couldn't tell whether his eyes were open or closed, they were so red. I think they did an exemplary job at the hospital."

John Birnie, manager of Maxine's, said: "While we are concerned for the continuing health problems of Mr Bowman-Jones and his family, the statement made in the public health report, which attaches no blame to the hotel has been well received.

"We have always been confident that our diligence of critical controls on chiller units and the chiller transport, which delivers our produce, have always been observed.

"It is good news to see the report confirms no fault on our part."