Stranded holidaymakers due home

The "vast majority" of Goldtrail customers who were on holiday when the tour operator collapsed should be back in the UK by Monday night, the Civil Aviation Authority has said.

Around 16,000 Britons were abroad when the Turkey and Greece specialist went into administration on Friday afternoon, while a further 2,000 were scheduled to fly from the UK this weekend.

As the school holiday season gets under way, it is estimated 50,000 people booked to travel with Goldtrail could be affected over the summer months.

Authorities reassured holidaymakers they could claim back money lost on bookings while alternative flights were available through the Air Travel Organiser's Licensing (Atol) scheme.

Under the scheme, the Civil Aviation Authority said it had stepped in to protect customers by arranging to fly tourists home at the end of their holiday.

Goldtrail, based in New Malden, Surrey, was described as a medium-sized independent operator which had been providing low-cost holidays for more than a decade.