Holiday firm's collapse hits hundreds due to take Christmas breaks

Hundreds of people who booked breaks over the Christmas period lost their holidays last night after a tour firm went into administration.

Travelscope, which specialises in cruises and coach tours, made the announcement after suffering cash-flow problems.

It is not known how many holidaymakers will be affected, but the company regularly charters the cruise ship MV Van Gogh, which carries 450 passengers.

Around 270 employees are expected to lose their jobs at the company, which is based in Brockworth, near Gloucester....