Thousands of travellers stranded abroad by the collapse of airline Flyglobespan were trying to get back to Britain last night.

As 800 staff with the Edinburgh-based airline faced losing their jobs, rival carriers stepped in with special ticket offers for the stranded Flyglobespan passengers.

Ryanair, easyJet, Virgin Atlantic, bmibaby and Flybe were among airlines helping out.

While passengers stuck abroad and those with bookings bemoaned their luck, aviation unions spoke of the “tragedy” of job losses.