A RAMSBOTTOM couple have given up a free dream holiday - because they can't afford it!

Mr Raymond Scott and Mrs Anita Whittaker learned at Christmas they were the lucky winners of a free holiday in a competition run by local radio station Tower FM.

But Mr Scott of Fern Street, Ramsbottom, said "ridiculous" conditions turned the dream holiday into a nightmare.

The holiday firm say the problems were due to a clerical error, but the couple just can't afford it.

"We were delighted when we were told we had won. It was like a dream come true," said Mr Scott.

"Neither of us had ever been abroad and were really looking forward to taking the once-in-a-lifetime holiday that we believed it would be."

The couple were sent a Sunset brochure and told to pick a destination, but a week later another letter arrived.

"We were told we had to fly from Gatwick, the holiday must be self-catering and could not be taken at peak periods between July 15 and September 15.

"It didn't sound like a free 'dream holiday of your choice' to me," said Mr Scott.

"We would have to pay for everything but the accommodation and the flight, which we just cannot afford," he added. "Especially as we were planning on taking our little girl.

"We are not bothering to take it. Instead of paying out on the 'free' holiday, we could pay a little extra and actually pick one we really want".

A spokesman from Sunset Holidays admitted there had been a mix-up, and said the couple could travel from Manchester Airport any time, except between July 15 and August 15 .

"We are sorry for the mix up in certificates," they said. "All our prizes are for self-catering holidays and we have never received complaints about them in the past."

Tower FM said the couple knew there would be restrictions on what holiday they could take.

"We did all we could at our end" said Julian Hotchkiss, managing director. "It is a shame because the holiday could have gone to someone who would have appreciated it."

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