Thomas Cook stores in Arnold and Mapperley bought by rival

Thomas Cook stores in Arnold and Mapperley have been snapped up by rival firm Hays following the travel giant’s collapse last month.

The stores are among 555 which have been purchased by Hays Travel from the Official Receiver which was called in when Thomas Cook folded back in September.

Hays say they have already recruited 421 former Thomas Cook staff and this latest deal is expected to save thousands more jobs.

The move is a significant step for Hays, which currently has 190 shops around the UK.

The Official Receiver described the sale to the BBC as an “important step” of the 178-year-old chain’s future.