A HOTEL boss has won a court battle against a Nolan sister who did not pay her bill.

Jeff Hind thought stage star Linda Nolan had made an oversight when she did not settle up after her stay.

But a year later, after several calls to her agent and accountant, the bill, which ran into hundreds of pounds, remained unpaid.

Mr Hind took the star to the small claims court to recover the money, and is still waiting for his cheque from the court.

The singer stayed at the Staincliffe Hotel, in Seaton Carew, near Hartlepool, for a few days while appearing alongside the Grumbleweeds at the Forum Theatre, Billingham.

Mr Hind said: "I think it was disgraceful that she could do that to a hotel. We get lots of actors, politicians and sports people staying with us.

"This was the only problem we've had for payment since I have been in the Staincliffe."

Ms Nolan's manager, Brian Hudson, said it was common to be invoiced for a bill after checking out of a hotel, and that she had expected that.

He said the bill never reached his client and therefore went unpaid.

He said: "We went off touring when we left the hotel and messages were being left for Ms Nolan at her home.

"All of a sudden, we found we were going to court. At that point you go down and pay the bill."

He said the outstanding amount would be paid in full.