STAFF at Prudhoe’s former Thomas Cook store have returned to work after Hays Travel took over the branch.

All three jobs at the shop on Front Street were saved after the Sunderland-based travel company agreed to take over all 555 Thomas Cook retail outlets following its collapse.

David Musson, who manages Hexham’s Hays Travel store, will now take over the management of the Prudhoe store too.

He said: “The response from people has been amazing, we’ve had a lot of people coming in over the moon that we’re open again. The Hays Travel owners are very down to earth and it’s very much a family business.”

Dominic Graydon, who worked for Thomas Cook, said: “It was scary when Thomas Cook collapsed. We’re so pleased to be back. It’s a massive weight off our shoulders.”