UP to 109 jobs have been saved after a collapsed holiday firm was bought by a North-East rival.

Hays Travel yesterday bought Newcastle-based Freedom Direct Holidays, which went into voluntary liquidation on April 16.

Last night, Hays said it was offering employment to all staff members who lost jobs, as well as assisting former customers of Freedom Direct Holidays with the administration and handling of their bookings.

John Hays, managing director of Hays Travel, said he was “delighted” to be able to help keep jobs in the North- East, adding: “We were very sad to hear that Freedom Direct Holidays had ceased trading as it had a very good reputation.

Hays Travel was fortunately in a position to be able to purchase its assets. We have also been able to offer the Freedom Direct Holidays staff alternative employment.

“Nick Jackson, former managing director of Freedom Direct Holidays, and Grant Lawson, former head of sales, have both joined Hays Travel and will continue to manage the Freedom Direct staff.”

They will be based at Hays Travel offices in Ridley Place, Newcastle and Vine Place, Sunderland.

Freedom collapsed with 200 customers abroad and 10,000 bookings.