Thousands of tourists have been left stranded abroad after holiday operator Goldtrail Travel Limited collapsed yesterday evening.

Goldtrail operated flights and holiday packages from British airports to destinations in Turkey and Greece.

Goldtrail has referred its customers to the Civil Aviation Authority, which is in the process of arranging for as many as 16,000 stranded tourists to travel home.

The CAA said that anyone who had booked a Goldtrail flight would have to check with their travel organiser before going to the airport for their holiday as their tickets are no longer valid.

For those who are already on holiday and are concerned about getting back to Britain the CAA said that most flights from Turkey would operate as planned but that flights from Greece could experience "some changes".

The CAA advised stranded travellers to seek information from the local representatives at the relevant airports and added that further updates would be given as available.

For general information the CAA said that Goldtrail travellers should contact them on 0044 203 4410846.