VICTIMS of the Farepak Christmas savings scheme collapse have called for a full refund for all members.

The Farepak Victims Committee also wants former company chairman, Sir Clive Thompson, to contribute to the Farepak Response Fund, set up to aid families, before it closes tomorrow.

Around 150,000 people across Britain lost money they had been saving for Christmas presents or hampers - a total estimated at £40m - when the Farepak company collapsed.

Bolton South-east MP Dr Brian Iddon, who has made a £165 pledge to the fund, said: "It's quite clear the corporates are not going to come up with the cash needed to get these people's money back before Christmas.

"We might possibly get £20m back in time, but I don't think the full amount will ever be made up."

The Farepak Victims Committee is calling on the Government to bring in regulations to ensure that no one else will fall victim in the future.

"The whole hamper industry wasn't regulated and we need to know why not," a spokesman said.

"Why wasn't this anticipated."

While Home Secretary John Reid urged companies to dig deep before the relief fund closes, a Commons Treasury Select Committee of MPs said the collapse of Farepak had highlighted a serious lack of protection for customers.