A COMPANY claiming to give away free holidays is continuing to write to people, even after they have rejected the offer.

Earlier in the year, trading standards officers urged people to be wary of a company called Holidays Direct, also known as UK Consumer Competitions.

The company sent out leaflets saying that the recipient had won a free holiday and asking for an administration fee of £30, sometimes £60, in order that the prize could be registered.

In the absence of information about the company, trading standards officers were concerned about the viability of the scheme, and advised customers to read the terms and conditions of the offer carefully.

Keith Cooper, of Darlington, was surprised to receive an invoice for more than £1,000 for various insurances and extras for the free holiday he never claimed.

He said: "It's amazing. This is meant to be a free holiday, but there are so many charges detailed on my booking form, and I didn't even send off my admin fee.

"I wonder how many people who sent off their money are now being faced with more charges before they get on holiday."

No one at Holidays Direct was available for comment last night.

Trading standards officials are renewing their call for people to be cautious if they are offered something for nothing.