AN independent travel agency in Northwich is to work throughout the day and night to bring home Thomas Cook passengers stranded abroad.

This comes as part of an operation to fly home an estimated 150,000 British holidaymakers, in what is said to be the biggest ever peacetime repatriation.

The tour operator, which was founded in 1841 and employs 22,000 people worldwide, collapsed this morning after last-minute negotiations to save the company failed.

And now, Northwich’s HD Travel are hard at work to assist with any Thomas Cook re-bookings or enquiries.

In a statement on their Facebook page, the travel agency said: “A very early start for us today, but the plans are well underway to get everyone rebooked following the failure of Thomas Cook.

“Our lovely customers have brought us many treats, and it is amazing how us local independents stick by each other.

“If you have been affected by the collapse of Thomas Cook, check out our page for the latest travel advice and be sure to see if we have options available for you to rebook.”

HD Travel have also issued the following essential information for Thomas Cook customers:

• All bookings are ATOL protected, so your money is safe.

• If you are currently abroad, please carry on with your holiday as normal and we will be in touch to explain what will happen next.

• Time is of the essence in these unfortunate circumstances, so the quicker Thomas Cook package holiday customers can get in, the more we can help.

• If you are booked on a Thomas Cook flight but with a different tour operator, you will be offered an alternative.

READ>Thomas Cook ceases trading leaving staff and travellers 'devastated'

HD Travel add: “As you will appreciate, we are working through bookings in date order and immediate departures will be the first on our list to contact.

“Please bear with us as we are working as best we can to help you all.

“Rest assured that the team are here and ready to help, and we would also like to pass on our best wishes to all the team at Thomas Cook.”

Thomas Cook customers can contact the HD Travel team on 01606 333999 or via Facebook here.