A FAMILY from Ross-on-Wye is set for a grim Christmas following the failure of Farepak.

Marie Davies, of Cantilupe Mews, had been putting aside more than £30 a week to give her three young boys a smashing Christmas.

But the collapse of the company has left Marie, 36, more than £1,500 out of pocket and wondering where the money to buy presents for her boys - aged two, four and six - will come from.

The family were also planning to spend £200 on their Christmas Day meal but can now look forward to something much more modest.

"We are an ordinary family and I decided to save with Farepak rather than put Christmas on the credit card. It seemed the sensible and responsible way to do things.

"I suppose I could have saved the money into the bank but things come up during the year and I wanted to put the money away for Christmas so that I could not get at it.

"This has taught me a harsh lesson and I will not be doing this again.

"It's going to be a very difficult Christmas and what money we can come up with will all be going on the boys.

"We have tried to explain to them what has happened but it is very difficult. The boys thought we had been sending the money to Father Christmas."

Marie said she was aware of at least four other families in the area who had been caught out by the Farepak collapse.

"I really think something should be done and those responsible must not be allowed to walk away scot-free. There are too many cases where companies seem to go into administration but the directors are never brought to account."