STAFF at the former Thomas Cook store in Helensburgh are on cloud nine after the travel agents was relaunched under a new name last week.

The East Princes Street shop was shut on Monday, September 23 after the 178-year-old firm collapsed, leaving thousands of holidaymakers and employees in limbo.

However, Sunderland-based Hays Travel, the UK’s largest independent travel agent, announced earlier this month that the 550 stores across the country would be saved.

And that meant good news for staff at the Helensburgh store who returned to work following a turbulent few weeks, with the shop officially re-opening on October 14.

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Although the branch is still not quite fully operational again – with staff meeting and greeting customers for the time being – manager Jenny Ward is relieved and delighted to be a part of the new venture.

Jenny, from Helensburgh, told the Advertiser: “We have been on a total rollercoaster of emotions since the collapse of the company and the loss of all our jobs.

“We were all amazed and excited when Hays Travel stepped in and acquired all of the stores, offering us our jobs back, and we feel very lucky to have this opportunity to all work together again.

“We are still working on the technical side and will be back up and running with new phone lines and booking systems which should all be completed this week.

“We are going to have an amazing choice of holidays to offer our customers including Jet 2, Tui and many more; the range of products we now sell has opened up so much more for us to offer our customers.

“We also have a combined experience in the travel industry of more than 60 years and will be able to help with advice and recommendations.

“We are so excited to see what this next chapter brings as we move forward with the Hays Travel family, which already seems to be an amazing company to be part of, with a fantastic family atmosphere.”

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Jenny has worked at the store since 1981, since it was originally known as AT Mays, while Elaine Ankorne, who starts back next month, had 20 years’ service with Thomas Cook (TC) in Helensburgh and fellow team member Justine Olsen was with the cabin crew at the time of the TC collapse.

One former employee decided to take up the offer of a different job and another was on maternity leave when TC went bust, but despite the small team, Jenny said her staff are looking forward to providing a first-class service to town customers once again.

She added: “We are hoping to have our store re-branded with the Hays Travel banner very soon, but as you can imagine they have in excess of 500 stores to re-brand.

“Our Facebook page has been opened and welcoming people and has already attracted many followers which we are delighted about.

“Everyone has been so supportive and kind and has made us want to get back to business as soon as possible.”

Like and follow Hays Travel Helensburgh on Facebook for more information.