A YOUNG couple look set to have their dream holiday after all.

Travel boss Peter Bath of Bath Travel read of their plight in the Daily Echo and stepped in to offer them a free break.

As reported in Monday's Echo, Dan Mole and Katie Parkhurst have been left £1,400 out of pocket after tour operator Libra Holidays refused to refund the pair the money they had paid for a week's break in Egypt, or allow them to transfer to another destination.

Dan, 26, and Katie, 21, of Clarence Place, Christchurch, decided they wanted to change their holiday following terrorist bombings in the Egyptian resort of Taba Heights, where they were due to stay.

But the company refused, saying it believed there was no risk to foreigners travelling to Egypt despite 34 people dying and more than 100 being injured in the three suicide car bombings - which are now being linked to al-Qaeda.

"I just don't understand how they can say there's no risk," said Katie. "On the Foreign and Commonwealth Office website it clearly says that the threat from terrorism in Egypt remains.

"But as for the lovely offer from Peter Bath, we're over the moon. We'll gladly take up his offer.

"We never imagined that someone would do something for us as nice as this. We're so grateful to him."

The couple had spent more than a year saving for the holiday, which they felt they desperately needed after Katie spent a spell in hospital.

Mr Bath has said that he will offer them a trip for two, subject to availability.

Holidaymakers to Egypt are being advised by the Foreign Office to obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling.

"The security forces maintain a uniformed presence at most tourist sites and make regular police searches," says the FCO website.

It adds that travellers to Egypt "should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks, which could be against civilian targets, including places frequented by foreigners".

But Libra spokeswoman Joanna Kolatsis said that the tone of website message had been the same since September 11, and has only been updated with details of last week's bombings.

"If the Foreign Office specifically advises against travel to the region, then we would change our stance," she said. We are guided by them."

First published: Oct 13