Thousands of people in the UK - and more than 3,000 in the province - lost almost all of their Christmas savings when the Swindon-based hamper company went bust in October.

And, despite intervention from both government and individual companies, agents and individuals received little or no financial compensation.

In response to the disaster, the Consumer Council has requested anyone who was affected to contact it.

The council aims to collect the views of Northern Ireland consumers so that they may be taken into account in the Government's inquiry into the company's collapse.

Carol Edwards, Head of Education at the Consumer Council said it was important for voices to be heard.

"Thousands of people found themselves facing a bleak Christmas last year through no fault of their own," she said.

"Having saved diligently for months, they found themselves out of pocket with little prospect of getting their money back."

If you have a Farepak story to tell and want to take part in the research, contact Nora Quigley on 9067 4803 or nquigley@consumercouncil.org.uk .