TWO travel agents have fulfilled a shared dream as they look to tackle an online dominated industry with the launch of their own independent business.

Alison Popely and Laura Thompson have established Imago Travel from offices in Fishergate.

The pair, both former colleagues at Heworth-based Quartz Travel, have a combined 24 years experience in travel, and feel there is still a market for independent travel agencies.

Mrs Popely said: "Launching my own travel agency is something I have wanted to do for a long time, and it just seemed the right time now.

"Both myself and Laura have had the same dream, so we saw it as a great opportunity to go into business together.

"We are office based as the moment as there's only two of us and we want to get the business up and running. Eventually we want to open in retail.

"I think internet travel is dying. What people want is great value and great service, but they also want a personal relationship which they don't get online. There's still very much a market for face to face bookings."