TRAVEL agency Barrhead Travel has launched a new shop in Newport — taking on four former Thomas Cook staff.

The store opened on High Street on Saturday, December 21, and plans to hold an official launch party in January.

The Scottish-headquartered agency recently confirmed an expansion plan to open up to 100 new stores and re-hire as many employees as possible in the wake of the Thomas Cook collapse.

Employees from the Isle of Wight store have had immersive training at Barrhead Travel’s training academy in Glasgow.

The store will follow Barrhead Travel’s signature conceptual design and will be equipped with state-of-the-art technology and branded experience areas.

Headed up by manager, Emma Ram and assistant manager Emily Watson, the travel agency will specialise in all types of holidays including cruise, long haul, touring, city breaks, honeymoons and beach escapes.

Between them, the team has more than 100 years of experience in the travel industry.

Emma said: "I am so delighted to be back on the High Street with my team on a new and exciting journey.

"The Barrhead Travel offering will really enhance our customer experience, allowing us to tailor-make exactly the right trips for our clients.

“The community on the Isle of Wight have been so supportive and we know they will love the Barrhead Travel brand.”

Jacqueline Dobson, president of Barrhead Travel said: "I am thrilled to welcome Emma and the team to the Barrhead Travel family.

"The opening of the store reflects our unwavering commitment to the high street travel agency. Investment in bricks and mortar has been at the heart of our strategy since we opened our first store in 1975 and we will continue to place focus on the physical customer journey by combining experiential technology and genuine expertise from our local teams.

“We firmly believe the demand for an experienced and knowledgeable travel agent is still on the rise as holidaymakers seek first-hand sound advice and guaranteed financial protection for their well-earned getaways.”

Other Thomas Cook staff were taken on by Hays Travel, also in Newport.