Two coach crash victims say they will fight for compensation over a Christmas shopping trip they believe could have cost their lives.

John and Eileen Datson were among 48 passengers aboard a Leger Holidays coach which overturned into a ditch as it returned to Sussex from a four-day trip to the Netherlands and Belgium.

Mr Datson, 68, suffered broken ribs and both he and his wife, 69, had neck injuries and bruising. Both needed hospital treatment.

Now recovering at home in Longland Road, Eastbourne, Mr and Mrs Datson plan to claim compensation from Leger for their injuries.

Mrs Datson said: "The company have been very helpful, I have to say. This morning we received vouchers for another four-day trip with them and a letter of apology for what happened.

"But we are going to make sure we get what is due. We have both suffered injuries as did a lot of other people, and I think it is only right that we raise that with them."

Mrs Datson said: "I have nothing against the company or the driver, who was excellent. His actions after the crash were excellent as was his driving.

"He admitted himself that he didn't know that area very well and I don't think that road is a very safe one for coaches.

"It was very black and I remember there being some roadworks. He veered off to avoid them but the back end of the coach went on to the verge and then the whole coach went over.

"It was very graceful really. It just toppled onto its side. People were falling about all over the place. The next thing I knew I was lying on the side of the road, covered in broken glass."

Mr and Mrs Datson have yet to decide whether to take up the free trip.

Mrs Datson said: "We'll have to think about it but I can't see any reason why we wouldn't go again.

"I think the only provision I would want is an assurance we would not go on that same road again."

The passengers on the single-decker coach, run by Rotherham-based Leger Holidays, included 12 Sussex people.

The coach was en route from Dover to Dorchester via Hastings, Eastbourne, Brighton and Worthing when the accident happened.

The Health and Safety Executive has launched an investigation.