FAMILIES with children who are fighting for their lives have had to endure extra heartache after a magical flight to see Santa was cancelled at short notice.

The Search for Santa flight was due to take place on December 13 from Leeds Bradford Airport with youngsters from Martin House Children's Hospice in Boston Spa, which cares for those with life-limiting conditions.

But Jet2 said it had received "an inadequate level of detail required to operate a safe and enjoyable flight".

Martin House chief executive Martin Warhurst said they were "incredibly disappointed".

"We were offered the opportunity for some of our families to take places on the flight, however we were advised last week that the flight could not take place.

"Once we were informed by the airport that the flight would not go ahead, we contacted our families as quickly as possible to let them know.

"I know this has been very disappointing for some families and I offer my sincere apologies for the distress that this may have caused. Christmas is an important time at Martin House and our focus is always on providing opportunities for families to celebrate together and create special memories.”

A Jet2 spokesman said: "We can confirm we were recently approached about the possibility of operating a Santa Flight at the request of Leeds Bradford Airport, following the collapse of another airline who previously operated these flights.

"Despite our best efforts to operate this flight at very late notice, we were provided with an inadequate level of detail required to operate a safe and enjoyable flight, such as special assistance and medical requirements, or passenger numbers."

He said they would look at operating a flight next and were in talks about making this "a truly memorable flight."