DIY enthusiast Stewart Cruse says he is disgusted that his bank details could fall into the hands of identity thieves after a mistake by a loan company.

The 47-year-old from Penhill received a letter from Loans.co.uk on September 4 telling him his details may have been sold to third party loan companies without the original firm's permission.

The letter said that that while the details could have been given to other loan agencies, there was a possibility they could be used to commit identity fraud and the matter has been reported to the police.

Mr Cruse had borrowed money from Loans.co.uk to do up his house in order to sell it.

He said: "I am disgusted this could happen and frankly more than frightened of what affect this could have on my life.

"There could be someone out there using my details to apply for credit cards or buying expensive things or God knows what. It's awful.

"I haven't even had a call from the company involved just the letter."

In the letter from the company managing director Julieann Greer says: "The information that may have been provided included your name, address, telephone number as well as details in your Loans.co.uk application form such as the requested amount and purpose of the loan, your date of birth and your mortgage details.

"We believe that information may be used be the third party loan companies to contact you to market financial products.

"Although there is a possibility that your information could be used to commit what is known as identity fraud, we believe this unlikely."

Mr Cruse said: "I have had my fair share of financial trouble in the past and got myself out of it but to put me in a position where I could suffer again is awful.

"I called my banks as soon as I heard and no money has been taken out - it's a frightening position to be in."

A spokesperson for Loans.co.uk refused to say how many people had been affected by the mistake.

She said: "We have no evidence to suggest this information has been used for any purpose other than marketing. The individuals applied to us for a loan, but we are not aware of any existing customers' details being provided.

"Loans.co.uk has reported this to the police and we are unable to comment further on the details of the case.

"One of our priorities is to our customers and applicants and the security of their financial information. We apologise to people who have been affected.

"All those who have been written to have been offered one year's free subscription to CreditExpert, a credit monitoring service for their peace of mind."