PART of the BBC's reality TV show Dragons' Den will not be screened following a dispute between a Darlington business tycoon and a technology firm.

Entrepreneur Duncan Bannatyne threatened legal action after allegations were made by one of the participants in the show.

The self-made millionaire sits on a panel of business entrepreneurs - the Dragons of the title - who are willing to invest their own money in new start-ups.

As part of the programme, contestants must pitch their ideas to the panel. If they are good enough, the dragons can agree to give them the money they need in return for a share in their company.

The threat of legal action has since prompted an apology to Mr Bannatyne from the company concerned, Greenpower Technologies.

The BBC has withdrawn the programme featuring Mr Bannatyne and Greenpower Technologies but refused be drawn on the exact reason why.

Mr Bannatyne declined to comment on the legal threat but said: "One of the investments that I agreed did not go ahead because statements made during the pitch did not match facts discovered in due diligence. Other investments have gone ahead."

Greenpower's idea was to import technology that turns liquid petroleum gas into diesel for heavy goods vehicles.

Managing director of the company, Gary McMahon, claimed the scheme would allow hauliers to save an average of £6,000 a year on their fuel bills.

A BBC spokeswoman said it took its responsibility for fully briefing both investors and entrepreneurs very seriously.

In a statement, the BBC said: "The release clause in their contract can only be used if either party does not abide by due diligence or the due diligence process reveals that there were material inaccuracies in the pitch that make the investment unviable.

"It is also made clear the BBC will not be involved in the business deal beyond the pitch.

"In the case of Duncan Bannatyne and Greenpower Technologies, Mr Bannatyne felt that during the process of due diligence he did not receive the same information he was given during the pitch."

The firm said it had since managed to secure investment elsewhere