A COUPLE have instructed lawyers to investigate why their dream holiday to Mexico was wrecked by illness.

Nichola Driver, 36, and her husband Wayne, of Wibsey, Bradford, say they suffered from bouts of diarrhoea during their holiday at the four-star Sandos Playacar Beach resort in Cancun, Mexico.

Mrs Driver lost more than half-a-stone in weight during the trip booked through operators Thomas Cook.

The couple have also complained about the standards in their room and the hotel itself.

Mrs Driver claimed the room had a number of problems, including wall sockets hanging from the walls, dirty bedding and the resort's entertainment space was being used for construction work.

She also complained of the standards of hygiene in the hotel.

The couple regularly saw food left uncovered for long periods of time, she was served lukewarm food a number of times and flies and insects were seen in their hotel room.

Thomas Cook, which is now carrying out its own investigation into the couple's complaints, said its in-resort representatives "did their best" to support the Drivers during their holiday and provided them with a complimentary room upgrade.

The couple went to the Mexican resort for a two-week break to celebrate Mr Driver's 40th birthday in October last year.

Mrs Driver said: "The holiday was supposed to be a celebration for Wayne turning 40 but it turned into an absolute nightmare.

"We were expecting a luxury break but instead we were left extremely disappointed by the quality of the hotel.

"Falling ill with such terrible symptoms just added insult to injury and we have been left extremely angry and frustrated at the whole experience and we hop that by taking legal action, our legal team will be able to get the answers as to what caused us to fall so ill.

"The last thing we expected when we booked the holiday was to come home feeling worse than before we left and that we'd suffer for months as a result."

The couple have now sought legal advice from lawyers Irwin Mitchell to investigate the cause of their illness.

Jennifer Downing, of Irwin Mitchell, said: "We have now heard first-hand accounts from Nichola about the conditions at the hotel and her concerns about what may have caused them to fall ill.

"This was intended to be a special holiday to celebrate Wayne's 40th birthday but they returned from Mexico with only bad memories and continue to suffer health issues following their return to the UK."

A Thomas Cook spokesman said: "Thomas Cook routinely audits properties to which it operates to ensure that only the highest health and hygiene standards are maintained.

"The Sandos PlayaCar Resort, Cancun has a good health and safety record.

"Our in-resort representatives did their best to support the Drivers when they were on holiday and provided a complimentary room upgrade following their comments.

"As the Drivers have now sought legal representation, we will be liaising with their appointed solicitor while our investigation continues.

"Unfortunately, we are unable to provide any further comment, so as not to unduly influence any possible legal proceedings.

"We are confident that those customers due to travel to the property will experience the excellent levels of quality and standards they would expect from a Thomas Cook holiday."