A YORK couple have written to the Prime Minister to complain over the way holiday companies raise prices during school breaks.

Jean and Brian Gallantree, from Acomb, have told Mr Blair it is appalling he has not done something about holiday companies making fantastic profits over the school holidays. The couple spent years paying higher prices while their two sons were growing up.

Jean now works as a teaching assistant and only gets time off during school breaks.

In the letter Mr Gallantree says: "We think it is appalling that you being the leader of the governing body, you have not brought this into line. Come to think of it, neither has any other party before you. We can only assume that money is no object to people living below Potters Bar."

Mr Gallantree said he was quoted £150 more than friends on the same holiday, as they booked during term time.

He said his wife, who works at Hob Moor School and Lowfield School, is very committed to her job and will not take time off during term time. He said: "We have done our bit for society, we have brought our kids up and worked with the system, but we are still being penalised."

The letter to Mr Blair was passed to the Department of Education and Skills.

A spokeswoman said: "Due to market forces, prices will go up in school holidays as demand goes up.

"Unfortunately, we have no legal powers to influence how tour operators manage their business or the difference in their prices throughout the year."

A spokesman for the Association of British Travel Agents said: "The reason prices go up in the school holidays is because parents are more likely to go at certain times of the year and demand goes through the roof.

"Our members are dealing with hotel owners and airlines and, like any other industry, when demand goes up prices do."

He said to combat the problem, members offered free child places on some holidays and encouraged people to book early.

Updated: 08:49 Tuesday, April 29, 2003