A couple whose dream trip turned into a holiday from hell are seeking thousands of pounds in compensation from their travel agent.

Dennis and Jeannette Worster, of Dunlop Close, Sayers Common, near Haywards Heath, are among 100 tourists seeking redress after a mass outbreak of food poisoning at a hotel in Barbados.

It left them with severe sickness and diarrhoea. Mrs Worster is still affected by stomach cramps.

The Barbados Beach Club closed three weeks ago after a catalogue of complaints.

One woman who returned to England has since been diagnosed as suffering from salmonella.

Mr and Mrs Worster paid £2,130 to Upton Travel of London for a two-week holiday at the hotel to celebrate their 20th wedding anniversary in March.

First Mr Worster succumbed to a violent bout of diarrhoea and vomiting which lasted 48 hours. Then it was his wife's turn to fall ill and spend the next eight days in bed.

The couple blamed their illness on the hotel's main restaurant where birds were regularly seen swooping down on diners' plates.

The all-day buffet was situated close to a pipe smelling of sewage.

On her return Mrs Worster was too poorly to take up a new job. She also has to avoid certain foods and is still seeking medical help for digestive pains.

Mr and Mrs Worster are among around 100 holidaymakers who are preparing to take up to six travel companies to court in a bid to win compensation.

Solicitors have been instructed to pursue the group claim which is being backed by Brenda Wall of the consumer group Holiday Travelwatch.

She said: "Most of the tour operators stopped using the hotel as soon as their customers fell ill. The problem was that some companies were still sending people there until they were keeling over as well.

"We have sent letters to the tour operators and are encouraging them to enter into negotiations with us."

Phodi Michael, a general manager with London-based Upton Travel, said: "We are bitterly disappointed about what has happened. We stopped using the hotel as soon as people fell ill.

"We will definitely give these people compensation and are in the process of dealing with their claims.

"We are waiting for a report from our representatives in Barbados and will take the matter up with the hotel."