A couple who's holiday was ruined when they suffered stomach problems at a luxury resort have taken legal action.

Alan Lewsey, 51, and his wife Claire, 52, from Dartford were left with stomach cramps, diarrhoea and vomiting just two days into their two-week break in October last year.

It was later revealed the pair were suffering with gastroenteritis, a stomach condition, that ruined their all-inclsuive Dominican Republic getaway.

The pair needed medical treatment while away due to the severity of their symptoms and have now instructed solicitors Irwin Mitchell to investigate whether more could have been done to prevent their illness.

Mr Lewsey wants any information found to be used to help protect others that face similar issues.

He said: “The illness was absolutely horrendous and we just couldn’t believe how bad we felt. This was meant to be a relaxing luxury break and the problems just completely ruined that for us.

“Nothing will change what we have been through but we at least feel we deserve some answers regarding how the illness emerged and whether it could have been avoided.

"We have seen numerous occasions when such problems have left victims with long-term health problems..." - Jennifer Downing from Irwin Mitchell solicitors

“While it is too late for us we only hope that such information would ensure that steps can be taken to protect others from similar issues in the future.”

Jennifer Downing, from Irwin Mitchell, said: “This case is sadly like a great number we are involved in, with our clients going on to develop very serious illness problems which went on to impact on a significant proportion of their holiday.

“The seriousness of gastric illness of this kind should not be downplayed, as we have seen numerous occasions when such problems have left victims with long-term health problems from which they never fully recover.

“With this in mind, we are determined to help our clients gain answers regarding what they have faced in the hope that lessons can be learned for the future.”

Spokesman for TUI, Lauren Singleton, said: "We’re sorry to hear of Mr and Mrs Lewsey’s experience. As we understand this may now be subject to legal proceedings it would be inappropriate to comment at this time.

"We’d like to reassure customers that we regularly audit all of the hotels we feature in respect of health and safety, including hygiene."