A TRAVEL agent with Olympic ambitions is calling on the Prime Minister to support small businesses in their quest for gold when the world's biggest sport event comes to the UK.

When London's successful bid was announced, Paul Smith, of Quartz Travel in Heworth, York, registered five internet domain names linked to the 2012 Olympic Games the following day.

As reported by the Evening Press, Mr Smith claimed the event organisers did not act to protect the London 2012 trademark quickly enough, but then banned him from using the web addresses, which include

www.olympicsinuk.com

He is now taking his case to the top by writing to the Prime Minister, urging him to help.

Tony Blair held a recent summit with tourism chiefs, outlining plans to ensure the £75 billion industry fully exploits the opportunities presented by the 2012 Games.

A trade newspaper reported Mr Blair promised to cut red tape for small businesses as one measure.

Mr Smith condemned the ban on his use of the Olympic-linked domain names as "red tape" and said that, as such, it should be lifted.

He had wanted to create online sites for people looking for travel and accommodation during the massive event in London and around the UK.

"It is crazy," he said.

"Tony Blair is saying he wants to support small businesses make the most of the 2012 Olympics, but we can't do anything. It is not fair.

"Having these website addresses would be superb for us. I am shocked and dumbfounded by it all. We want to service not just London people but the whole country. We bought www.york2012.uk as well to get people to the north."

The Olympic brand is protected under The Olympic Symbol etc. (Protection) Act 1995, and steps are being taken to protect the London Olympics brand.

A 2012 games spokesman said unauthorised uses "would compromise the ability to offer sponsors an exclusive association with the Olympic Games" when more than £500 million was needed to host the event.

"For these reasons, we cannot permit Paul Smith to use the domain names."

But a defiant Mr Smith said: "I am not getting rid of the websites. I bought the domain names and they are still registered for two years. I am going to fight this. I am seeking legal advice on every angle."

Olympics Minister Tessa Jowell, who is addressing businesses about Olympic opportunities at a summit in London, on January 24, said: "I want companies to be champing at the bit for the chance to share in the 2012 experience.

"But they need to understand how they can get involved."

Updated: 09:43 Thursday, January 12, 2006