A FAMILY of seven is taking action against a tour operator after their dream trip turned into the holiday from hell.

Rosemarie Latham, 36 of Platt Close, booked the all-inclusive family holiday to the Hotel Club Atlantico in Guardalavaca, Cuba, through tour operator Thomas Cook in August 2007.

Mrs Latham, husband Richard, 55 and her children Rosie, 15, Lauren, 14, Harry, seven, Liam, five and Tarus, four, jetted to the Carribean resort later that month.

But within four days of arriving at the hotel every member of the party was suffering from nausea, diarrhoea, vomiting and stomach cramps.

Mrs Latham, said: "In my opinion, the food in the hotel was completely inadequate.

"There were flies everywhere, in and around the floor, on the tables and all over the restaurant."

The holiday representative moved the family to another hotel which they claim was just as bad.

Mrs Latham, said: "This was the worst holiday we have ever had and we all feel very let down.

"We are shocked and disappointed.

"My family has been so severely affected, we had to see a doctor in the resort to treat our symptoms as well as see our own doctor on our return to the UK.

"I understand there were other guests at the hotel affected with similar symptoms to ours."

Georgia Humphries from the travel law team at Irwin Mitchell Solicitors, said: "The Latham family continue to suffer from symptoms of serious gastric illness.

"The history of illnesses and complaints made about poor food and food hygiene point to the hotel being the likely source of their illnesses.

"We are corresponding with Thomas Cook on behalf of the Latham family and have invited them to admit liability.

"We hope that a negotiated settlement of the claims will be achieved shortly, failing which court proceedings will be commenced against Thomas Cook."

A spokesman for Thomas Cook, said: "As a responsible tour operator, the health and safety of our customers is of paramount concern and the company is therefore naturally concerned to hear of Mr and Mrs Latham’s complaints.

"We are currently carrying out a full investigation in to all the points raised.

"The Latham party has instructed a solicitor and it would therefore be inappropriate to offer any further comment at this time."