Sea scout's stranded

The 8th Worthing Starboard Watch Cub Pack was due to go to Chatham Dockyard in Kent later this month but, following news Beta Travel had gone out of business, the trip was cancelled.

Honorary Scouter Mo Ashfield organised the trip for the pack, which is based in the grounds of Thomas A'Becket Middle School, Tarring.

She said: "I received a letter to say the company had ceased to trade.

"I was very shocked as I have dealt with Beta ever since it opened."

She said the pack was currently 355 out of pocket to Beta and 50 to Chatham Dockyard.

"It has turned out to be quite expensive because we are, of course, a charity.

"The letter said to contact the official receiver after October 6, which we will do to try to get the money back."

On hearing the news, Mo tried to cancel the cheque she had paid the Field Row-based company but it was too late, although parents of the Cubs due to go on the trip were to be refunded by the pack.

"It's a great shame, although we will try and claim the money back," said Mo. "We organise an outing every year. We will possibly have one in the spring instead."

A spokeswoman from Beta Travel told the Herald matters were in the hands of the receivers and customers should get their money back if they write after October 6.