A WIDOW from York is counting the cost after a travel firm went into liquidation leaving her £469 out of pocket.

Joyce Rawson, 80, of Wain Close, Huntington, is one of many holiday makers who have been hit by the problems plaguing Bradford-based coach company Gain Travel.

Mrs Rawson, who had paid £389 for a trip to see the Giant’s Causeway in Northern Island, said she feared she would not be the only person in York to have been affected.

She said: “We were due to set off on Sunday and it was only when I phoned up to finalise arrangements that I found out what was going on.

“We have been going with the firm on holidays for years and we have had some really wonderful holidays and I just can’t understand how this has happened. The last time I went away with them was in April on a trip to Bristol and we had a fantastic time and there was no sign then that there was anything wrong.

“I have gone on my own a number of times and you always meet up with lovely people.”

Mrs Rawson, who also paid an £80 deposit on a holiday to Norfolk in September, said: “I am a pensioner and I really can’t afford to lose the money. I’m sure there will be a lot of people who don’t realise that this has happened.”

She is still waiting to hear from the firm about whether she would get any of her money back.

Gain Travel ceased trading on June 8.

Insolvency practitioners Rushtons of Shipley, which placed Gain Travel into liquidation, said a letter would be sent to customers and creditors soon.

On the coach travel firm’s website, a notice announced the news, blaming “very difficult trading conditions”.

“This means that no further holidays will be operated by Gain Travel and if you do have a booking with us, you will be contacted shortly by our appointed administrators.”