A couple who say they had to endure a nightmare holiday are fighting for compensation from their holiday company.

David and Jean Warton from Friesian Way, Kennington, Ashford, claim that First Choice holidays failed to warn them of anticipated danger of an approaching hurricane on their dream holiday to Cuba.

They booked with another couple to return to the holiday paradise hotel they had enjoyed two years previously.

But when the quartet arrived they discovered other holiday companies had pulled out customers as the Cuban government had issued damage danger warnings as the island awaited the arrival of Hurricane Ike.

Despite protests they were told to prepare for the worst by staying in their rooms and barricading the windows with mattresses.

Mr Warton, 70, said: “It was a nightmare and we were just told we would have to ride out the storm for however long it lasted.

“It was horrific with 120mph gales gusting to 180mph that ripped up all the palm trees and tiles."

They were eventually rescued by the Cuban army and flew home early.

Now Mr Warton has lodged a complaint with First Direct where he booked the all-

inclusive holiday with premium flight seats at £1,500 each.

“We realise that this was an act of God, but they could have made alternative arrangements. All they seem prepared to do is offer compensation for the four days that we missed of our holiday as it was cut short and we were brought home.”

First Choice spokeswoman Grace Jones said the company did everything it could to ensure the wellbeing of its customers.

“Unfortunately in this instance it was not possible to evacuate by air in time.

“As with all tour operators in this situation, First Choice’s terms and conditions state no obligation to provide compensation if changes made to a holiday are due to a 'Force Majeure’.

“However, as some customers had to curtail their holiday in Cuba to return home, First Choice took the decision to provide them with a refund for pro-rata, missed nights’ accommodation as a gesture of goodwill.”

Full story in this week's Kentish Express.