Staff at a former Thomas Cook store have spoken of their delight at being back at work after part of the failed travel agency was bought by Hays Travel.
Independently-owned company Hays Travel bought 555 stores from stricken Thomas Cook – including its stores in Caerphilly town and Blackwood. Both have now reopened.
Catherine Williams worked for Thomas Cook for 26 years and was one of three staff at the Caerphilly store who initially lost their job.
Catherine said: “We went from a very bad situation to a really good one.”
Colleague Kim Chamberlain, who had worked for Thomas Cook for six years, said it had been a difficult time – especially being a mother. However, being back meant she could continue to look after her customers and praised Hays for having faith in the store.
She said: “It’s important for us to be able to help the customers we used to help and be back for them.”
Customers have already given them a warm welcome with passers-by giving them the thumbs up and boxes of chocolate handed in.
The store is currently undergoing a transformation with the removal of Thomas Cook branding.
A similar story is also happening in Blackwood, where staff are already back at the former Thomas Cook shop in Market place.