We’re not going to sunny Spain

A YOUNG couple and their 18-month-old son had their dreams shattered when they discovered their holiday did not exist. Jemma Packer, 23, and her partner Jamie Paterson, 23, of Scott Close, Royston, booked their last-minute holiday at www.unbeatableholiday

A YOUNG couple and their 18-month-old son had their dreams shattered when they discovered their holiday did not exist.

Jemma Packer, 23, and her partner Jamie Paterson, 23, of Scott Close, Royston, booked their last-minute holiday at www.unbeatableholidays.com on August 4.

They had planned to take the holiday in Salou, Spain.

But when they tried to call the company to add another person to the booking, they found that the number had been cut off, and that an alternative number was to a mobile phone which had been turned off.

Miss Packer said: "I became suspicious and looked the company up on Google but tripadvisor.com informed me that the company was fake."

Miss Packer and her family paid £365 for the all-inclusive package and were due to fly to Costa Dorada on September 2.

"We were really looking forward to our holiday," she said.

"We were aware when we booked the holiday that the accommodation was basic, but we only wanted a cheap last-minute deal. We never expected this would happen.

"The website looked perfectly legit. I checked it with my mum and dad and they thought it would be fine.

"It has put me off using the internet to purchase things in the future.

"I would advise anyone to be cautious and check out the company before they book a holiday, and to book with a credit card, not a debit card."

The website was shutdown last Tuesday, after concerns were raised about its legitimacy.

Police are investigating the alleged scam, thought to involve hundreds of thousands of pounds.

The Association of British Travel Agents has warned people to be careful when buying holidays online.