THOMAS Cook staff who lost their jobs after the travel giant went into liquidation yesterday are being offered generous gifts from businesses across south Essex.

The company, one of the world's oldest travel firms, ceased trading immediately after the announcement.

Affected staff across south Essex will be assessing their options today, and in the coming days, but two businesses have come forward to help, at least in the short term.

The Billericay Theatre posted on Facebook: "To all the lovely staff who worked at Thomas Cook in our high street, please feel free to pop into the theatre and see us as I'd like to organise you and your families some complimentary tickets to our pantomime this Christmas."

While Southend's independent stationary store, LPC, also made an offer.

It is offering all affected Thomas Cook employees 20 free copies of their CV printed for free.

Owner Andrew said: "Simply pop into our Rayleigh Road store with your file or hard copy and proof of your recent employment and we will be happy to help.”

If any other south Essex businesses are making any offers to Thomas Cook staff, please feel free to detail them in the comment section below and we will continually add to this article.