Dewsbury woman’s anger over Thomas Cook’s London 2012 Olympics trip

Thomas Cook staff told Kathleen Field that she would have to pay £7,798 – the full price for two people – to get the Oympics package she wanted, even though she plans to travel alone.

Mrs Field, 64, said: “In its brochure, Thomas Cook says it’s making the games accessible for all people, but single travellers are being discriminated against.

“I don’t have a problem paying a supplement but I do have a problem paying twice the amount. I don’t have enough to throw £4,000 away.”

Mrs Field went into the Princess of Wales Precinct branch in Dewsbury on the day 2012 packages went on sale, but staff could not find any one-person places for the £3,899 package she had set her heart on.

It includes three nights in a central London hotel, meals, tickets to four events and transport between venues.

Thomas Cook, the official supplier of short breaks for London 2012, is the only tour operator able to package and sell tickets to the games.

But Mrs Field, of Ashworth Close, Flatts, said branch staff discovered there were never any one-person places for 2012 packages.

“The staff down there really tried to help me out but their hands are tied,” she said. “Even when they looked at lesser tours, I would still be paying for two people. I’d also have another ticket for all the events that I wouldn’t be using and they’re non-transferrable.”

Thomas Cook did not comment.