Thomson laughs off holiday competition controversy
A Thomson photo competition caused controversy when the owner of a horse in the winning picture tried to claim a share of the prize.
The photo entered into the ‘Made Me Smile’ competition was taken by three-year-old Jacob Bellis on a public footpath and shows the horse barring its teeth behind the boy’s dad David.
After the Bellis family won the first prize of a £2000 holiday, the horse’s owner, Nicola Mitchell, complained to Thomson.
She said Bellis should have asked for consent to enter a photo of her horse, Betty.
Ms Mitchell told the Guardian she expected some ‘token gesture’ as it was her horse that won the holiday.
However, Thomson confirmed that it is giving the prize to the Bellis family.
In a statement it said: "Our Blue Monday competition was meant to make people smile on what’s been deemed the most depressing day of the year. We can confirm that despite questions over foal play, Mr Bellis and his family will still be receiving their holiday. And we’re sure they will hoof a good time."
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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