A TEAM of travel agents based in Chard town centre have completed their great move - just four doors down the road from their old home.

Hays Travel launched their brand new branch in Fore Street last week with a little help from a VIP visitor.

The independent travel agent chain was forced to close its former premises in August of last year as a result of construction work.

The new store was opened last Tuesday (March 10) with the ribbon cutting completed by Chard mayor Jason Baker.

Christie Wantling is temporarily managing the branch while she recruits a new manager and an apprentice.

She siad: “The team is delighted to be in their brand new branch and putting their wealth of knowledge and expertise back into practice, helping customers old and new book their dream holiday.”

Christine is joined by assistant manager Lucinda Collins and travel consultants Sally James and Michelle Grinton.

“We were honoured to have the Mayor of Chard officially open the branch for us, and blown away by all the support we have had and the lovely comments from customers,” Christine added.

“We can’t wait to see our team settle in and grow once we recruit a permanent branch manager and apprentice.”

Hays Travel continues to recruit after taking over the entire Thomas Cook retail operation last October.

Danny Marish, regional sales manager for the Bristol and Somerset region, said: “I am really excited the branch has re-opened in Chard as it has been closed much longer than we anticipated.

“We are very pleased to have taken on colleagues from a travel agent that closed recently to create a bigger branch to serve Chard and the surrounding areas.

“We will grow the team even more with the addition of a branch manager and apprentice.”

John Hays is the joint owner and managing director of Hays Travel.

He said: “It’s extremely important to us to see our high streets thrive and to make our contribution, not only through business, but also through our local community partnerships at each branch.

“I’d like to thank the Mayor for taking time out to be at the opening.

“We are delighted to be back in new premises and we have a top team in place to help our customers find the perfect holiday for them.”

Hay Travel has 640 shops and 5,000 employees nationwide.