But her grief has been made worse by callous insurance firm AXA, who refused to refund the cost of the holiday they never got, saying war was excluded under their policy.

Irene, originally from Cardenden, Fife, but now living in Bordon, Hants, said: "They said the risks were too high to be covered under a travel insurance policy but how were we to know that?

"Because of this extenuating circumstance and in an effort to prevent further distress we feel it is appropriate to pay the costs of cancellation for the holiday."

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