CAMPAIGNING couple Trevor and Jean Jackson won £20,000 compensation for themselves and fellow holidaymakers after they suffered a holiday flight from hell.

The pair, from Sharples, took action against Monarch after the flight from Manchester to Skiathos was delayed for 31 hours and resulted in them losing almost two days of a seven day Greek holiday.

They, and all the other passengers on the plane, could now be due compensation payouts worth a total of up to £20,000 shared between them.

Mr Jackson said their problems began when the plane they were on was redirected on approach to the airport as it was found to be "too big" to land on the runway in the wet weather.

The 70-year-old retired polymer consultant recognised there had been what he called "an operational blunder" and decided it was worth taking legal advice.

Mr and Mrs Jackson and 62 passengers had been advised that rain in Skiathos may well prevent the aircraft from landing.

The aircraft had to circle the island before the pilot decided to divert to Thessaloniki.

The plane, crew and passengers then had to wait on a remote apron stand for three hours before leaving the plane and being transported to hotels.

Mr Jackson said: "Basically the plane we were on was too big to land in wet weather at Skiathos. It was clearly an operational blunder and that plane should not have been used for that route.

"When we landed we spoke to the hotel manager, got computer access and printed off dozens of copies of my email address.

Then they began handing these out to fellow passengers in the hotel and at the airport while waiting for their flight to Skiathos.

He said: "We got to as many of the passengers as we possibly could in the time we had. When we got there it was evening and then we had to speak to the hotel in the morning for a change of room as the room we had wasn't suitable. It was not good."

On returning to their home they contacted the Wilmslow law firm Bott & Co who took up their case.

They issued court proceedings on the group's behalf and secured compensation.

"It wasn't about the money. I just felt it was the right thing to do. It was instinct," said Mr Jackson.

A spokesman for Monarch said: “Monarch charter flight MON5624 from Manchester to Skiathos was diverted as a result of bad weather at the destination.

"The diversion was due to the type of aircraft being used on the route as it was unable to land at a category B airport in certain bad weather conditions.

"Unfortunately the delay that ensued was lengthy and we regret any inconvenience to our customers.

"During the delay customers were given hotel rooms, meals and beverages. Customers have been compensated under Regulation 261/2004 accordingly. "

He said the recent appeal application by Jet2 and Thompson Airways and subsequent ruling by the Supreme Court had given clarity around what was previously a “grey” area in the regulation where a delay is caused by a technical issue.

He added:"We are now working to review and where appropriate settle any claims that were on hold pending the outcome of the appeal.

"We accept the court’s decision and will endeavour to improve the efficiency of our operation. Following a recent review of the business a number of changes have been introduced to improve our network and fleet.”