UNION leaders have vowed to fight plans to cut 260 jobs from an Accrington call centre run by travel firm Thomas Cook.

The Transport Salaried Staffs Association said the decision to cut jobs based at the Globe Centre as a "body blow" to the local economy.

The firm plans to transfer work to offices in other parts of the UK under a cost-cutting proposal.

Gerry Doherty said the union had warned when Thomas Cook merged with Going Places that there would be job cuts.

He said: "The new company is maximising profits by closing high street shops and call centres.

"We will oppose this latest cost-cutting move and do all in our power to maintain local jobs for the people of Accrington."

The company said it had entered into a 90-day consultation with workers who may be affected by the proposals, adding it hoped to retain as many staff as possible by offering relocation or redeployment opportunities.

Workers will be offered relocation to other others in Peterborough, Bradford and Brighton.

Peter Constanti, executive director of Thomas Cook's holidays division, said: "We have an excellent team in Accrington and it must be made clear that the proposals we are making are in no way a reflection on our people or their performance.

"We very much hope that many of them will opt to take advantage of our relocation and redeployment opportunities."

The decision to axe the call centre has been described by Council leader Peter Britcliffe as "a tragedy for Hyndburn".

Thomas Cook AG merged with Rossendale-based travel company, MyTravel PLC to form the Thomas Cook Group plc a year ago.