A travel firm has risen from the ashes like a phoenix - bringing new hope to employees.

The Thomas Cook store in Sevenoaks High Street closed on September 23 with the national collapse of the chain.

Three members of staff were made redundant.

But Hayes Travel run by John and Irene Hayes, who bought 555 former Thomas Cook stores from the liquidators, have been busy re-opening them, often employing the former Thomas Cook staff.

Eva Sumner was manager at the Sevenoaks branch before Thomas Cook collapsed and she has been taken on to re-open the store as Hays Travel.

She said: "We're so happy. John and Irene are literally legends.

"It's a fantastically run family company and we are really, really happy to be back in Sevenoaks."

Her colleague Miri Tait, who was with Thomas Cook for 16 years, has also been re-employed by Hays along with two new staff.

Mrs Sumner said: "The response from the public has been terrific. They are so happy to see us re-open."

For further information, contact the branch on 01732 317864.

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