BUSINESSMAN Danny Bamping has turned down £100,000 offered to him by some of Britain's millionaires to launch a new puzzle game.

Bolton-born Danny Bamping, aged 31, appeared on television's Dragon's Den - a show which sees entrepreneurs picthing their ideas to five successful business people in the hope of securing cash - to pitch his Bedlam Cube puzzle.

His sales pitch won over panellists Rachel Elnaugh and Theo Paphitis, but it has been revealed he declined their offer and took out a bank loan instead.

Mr Bamping, originally from Bromley Cross but now based in Devon, hopes his 3D puzzle will be a big Christmas hit after launching it in New York. The Bedlam Cube, which involves fitting 13 shapes into a box like a 3D game of Tetris, has had interest from stores in the US and Europe.

Mr Bamping, a former Thornleigh College pupil, said the bank loan appeared to be a better deal to him as his business was already taking off.

He said: "At the time the Dragons' offer looked like a positive move, but as it transpired we never closed the deal and my bank came up with a loan as an alternative.

"Although I am a firm believer in the principle of a smaller percentage of a much bigger pie, I just wanted to keep control of the business.

"Our sales have been good and the bank loan will allow us to meet demand. I have been able to drive the business forward and keep my equity.

"Combined with my business partner we have now firmly established Bedlam Puzzles and my focus now has switched to raising the necessary finance for my holding company, 23 Acorns Limited."

The cube was invented by British inventor Bruce Bedlam, and distributed through Mr Bamping's company, The Bedlam Puzzle Company.

A BBC spokesman said Ms Elnaugh and Mr Paphitis had been "'keen" to keep the deal with Mr Bamping.

He added: "It was only decided in the last week that the deal wasn't going ahead. He decided he didn't want to give any equity away.

"It is a shame, but we wish him the best with his company." Mr Bamping has also designed a Bedlam Cube in his favourite team's colours - Bolton Wanderers.