A FAMILY lost hundreds of pounds and had their dream holiday plans left in tatters after a Reading travel agent ceased trading.

Last June Rachel Parry and her partner booked a package holiday for eight family members, including her autistic son, with Imperial Travel Limited based on Richfield Avenue.

They paid an upfront deposit of £560 for seven nights all-inclusive stay at Aquis Sandy Beach resort in Corfu but when Mrs Parry came to settle the remaining £2,500 earlier this year, she discovered Imperial were no longer operating.

After numerous phone calls and emails, the family were told their hotel reservations were never made and the deposit could not be refunded, the Chronicle understands.

Now they face staying in less luxurious but more expensive accommodation, or losing the deposit and remaining at home.

“We are now left £560 out of pocket with no holiday - and without the return of the deposit we cannot now afford to go away,” explained Mrs Parry, who lives in Norfolk.

“It has left eight bitterly disappointed people, three of whom are children including my partners' disabled son who is finding the situation very difficult and can't accept we are not going away.

“We believe this whole situation to be wrong and immoral as we had saved long and hard to be able to afford an overseas family holiday with decent accommodation and facilities which would suit all our needs.

“This is a very difficult and stressful time for us.”

The Chronicle attempted to reach Imperial Travel Ltd for comment but they could not be contacted.