A TROWBRIDGE couple's wedding dream has been left in tatters after the collapse of Thomas Cook.


The travel firm went into administration earlier this week leaving thousands of holidaymakers high and dry.


And for Matthew Payne, 54 and his partner Davina Penelhum, 58, it was the worst possible news.
They were supposed to be getting married in Cancun, Mexico, on October 17, after booking the wedding 14 months ago. 
Mr Payne said: “We are in bits. They’ve cancelled it and it could take 18 months to refund us. 


"We are both devastated as we’ve had all the fittings for dresses and outfits, so everything was sorted.
“It’s stupid as we booked another holiday recently with Thomas Cook. It was still taking people’s money, so they haven’t told the complete truth. 


"It was acting like it was business as normal when really, it was about to go into administration. It’s frustrating as it didn’t let people know.”


Mr Payne said the couple had looked into rebooking but rival holiday company TUI told them it would cost them around £7,000.
Government financial protection organisation Atol is hoping to get refunds completed to those left out of pocket as quickly as possible. 


The couple had a party planned in November, to celebrate with the rest of their family and friends but this may also have to be cancelled. 
Mr Payne said: “We feel that Thomas Cook lied to us and were not divulging all the information that they should have been to customers.” 


The firm issued a statement saying: “We are sorry to announce that Thomas Cook has ceased trading with immediate effect. 
"All Thomas Cook booking including flights and holidays, have now been cancelled. Please visit thomascook.caa.co.uk for further advice and information.”
The Trowbridge branch of Thomas Cook closed its doors on Monday.