There was a further blow to British holiday makers after online firm Freedom Direct went into administration last night.

It is thought that up to 100.000 people will be affected by the closure of the firm’s three websites Holidaysyoulike.co.uk, Freedomdirect.co.uk and Snowdeals.co.uk.

A message on the Newcastle firm’s website which employed 100 people advised customers to contact the Civil Aviation Authority.

The notice went onto to say “Unfortunately, Freedom Direct Holidays Ltd has today ceased trading (as of 16 April 2009)”.

Freedom direct are the latest big name holiday firm to go bust as the recession continues to bite the travel industry hard. The firm is reported to have had a turnover of £48 million last year and sold over 300.000 online holidays.