A widow who cancelled her dream holiday when her husband died has been told by her insurers she can't have a refund.

Christina and Albert Green had planned a break in the sun at the Spanish resort of Torremolinos.

But Mr Green was suddenly taken seriously ill and died the day they were due to fly.

The 75-year-old, from Bellingham Crescent, Hove, had pancreatitis and suffered a massive stroke.

Mrs Green tried to get the cost of the holiday back on travel insurance but has been refused.

White Horse Insurance turned the claim down because of a heart attack Mr Green had 14 years ago.

Mrs Green, 53, said: "Apparently it has been declined because of a doctor's note saying my husband had a heart attack years back.

"I never thought something that happened so long ago would affect the claim now.

"We didn't think about mentioning it when we were taking out the insurance policy.

"It's been an extremely distressing time and this has added to it. Every time I talk about it I get upset.

"I would have thought the insurance company could have been a bit more caring, even if they just refunded the money for my half of the holiday."

The Greens paid £751 for the holiday which they were due to begin on February 18.

They took out insurance in December when they booked the hotel and flights.

A spokesman for White Horse Insurance said: "Mrs Green's travel insurance claim was declined due to not having declared details of her husband's pre-existing medical condition.

"We would urge consumers to always read their policies carefully and to ensure that they disclose any relevant information to their insurance provider at the time of purchase."

Mrs Green is appealing against the decision and taking it to the insurance ombudsman.