A COUPLE whose dream holiday turned into a nightmare after they became ill from contaminated food and drink are to receive a £24,000 payout after a landmark court ruling.

Dennis and Margaret Wood, from Clacton, went on the all-inclusive holiday to Bahia Principe in the Dominican Republic in March 2011 to celebrate their 40th wedding anniversary.

But it was ruined when they both became ill after consuming contaminated food and drink at the hotel.

They took holiday company First Choice to court and won.

The company repeatedly denied it was responsible for the holidaymakers’ illness and appealed against the verdict on a point of law.

The Court of Appeal yesterday ruled the couple should receive a fair settlement for their illness.

Dennis, 67, said: “From the first night we noticed a range of problems, particularly with the food.

“Fish dishes were often undercooked and we saw red meat being cooked on nothing more than a hot plate.

“We didn’t see any of these being cleaned before the staff added different meats to the same hot plate.”

Dennis added: “I suffered diarrhoea, stomach cramps, drastic weight loss and dehydration before being rushed to hospital after just days out there.

“I stayed for five days and was diagnosed with both eyesight and bacterial problems - I was an absolute mess.”

After being allowed out of hospital, Dennis spent most of his remaining holiday in his hotel room, but his health problems showed no sign of improving. Once we got home I went to pick up our car from a hotel where we left it but I suddenly felt faint in the lobby of the building and collapsed.

“I can’t remember too much but know I was taken to hospital by paramedics and stayed for five hours.

Dennis and Margaret, 75, were represented in court by lawyer Simon O’Loughlin, of legal firm Irwin Mitchell.

He said: “Dennis and his wife went on holiday expecting an amazing relaxing break but it was ruined by the horrible illness he suffered.

“The Court of Appeal judges have unanimously agreed in his favour and we see this as a victory for common sense.

“Their holiday was ruined and they deserve a fair settlement.”