A FAMILY whose disabled son missed out on his first holiday due to the petrol crisis said the end of the fuel protest came too late.

Catherine and Neil Shackleton, whose 14-month-old son Matthew was born with brain damage and cerebral palsy, were due to take him to Blackpool last week, where he would benefit from the light stimulation of the illuminations.

But the petrol crisis and strike by Stagecoach coaches meant the family had to cancel their plans and lose their £30 hotel deposit .

Catherine, 27, of Great Harwood, said: "We are all really upset. We were looking forward to it so much. Matthew is only little but we thought he would really enjoy the lights."

Matthew, who was born at 28 weeks, weighing just 2lbs 9oz, suffered numerous medical problems and his heart stopped four times in the first week of his life.

The family was also struck by tragedy three years ago when Catherine's other child Bethany Jane Rutter lost her battle with leukaemia and died at 11 months.

Catherine's husband Neil, 25, said that the family were unable to re-schedule their holiday due to other commitments and would have to wait until next year.

He added: "We understand what the protesters were doing but people have suffered. The Government said they will look at the situation so they made their point. But I don't think they know what damage they have done to the rest of the country."

Picture: DISAPPOINTED: Neil and Catherine Shackleton of Great Harwood have had to cancel their holiday in Blackpool with 14-month-old son Matthew