UP to 50 NHS frontline workers can look forward to a free holiday this autumn thanks to the generosity of upper dale hotels and B&Bs.
About a dozen tourism operators last year signed up to a scheme to provide the free getaways as a way of paying tribute to the NHS for its work during the coronavirus pandemic, but it had to be postponed twice because of Covid restrictions.
Now, organiser Dave Hynes, of The Quirky Quarry B&B, is hoping the easing of lockdown this spring and summer will allow for the scheme to go ahead in November.
He said: “We have holiday cottages, B&Bs and hotels. We have about a dozen on board, such as Dave Falconer, of the Teesdale Hotel, who has given four rooms. Franck Marie, of The Forresters Hotel, has given three rooms and the High Force Hotel has been really good, they have given two luxury rooms.”
Mr Hynes added: “I think this is marvellous because it was only going to be myself, but then it snowballed.
“I think we can accommodate up to 50 people from the Durham and Darlington NHS Trust.
“Hopefully it won’t be cancelled again and with a bit of luck it will all go smoothly.”
Any other tourism operators who would like to join the scheme can contact Mr Hynes by ringing 01833 641222 or 07956 321414.
