A GROUP of hoteliers and restaurateurs are planning to offer free holidays and meals to terminally ill children.

The network of tourism industry businesses, which is in its infancy, was set up by Luke Tillen, co-owner of the 27-room Hotel de la Mer in Babbacombe Road.

The hotel boss decided to work with the National Alliance of Childhood Cancer Parent Organisations after watching an episode of the Secret Millionaire on television.

He said: "After watching what this secret millionaire was doing in Blackpool I contacted the NACCPO charity to see if there was anything I could do here to help them.

"I thought to myself that we could do the same.

"I decided to set up a network of hoteliers and restaurateurs in the Bay who are prepared to donate free holidays to the NACCPO so very ill children can come down to the Bay and enjoy a break."

Already three hotels and one restaurant are backing the Torbay Holiday Helpers Network and Mr Tillen's idea.

Now Mr Tillen hopes many more will join the network so as many terminally ill youngsters as possible can enjoy a Bay break.

Derek Smith, owner of the Paignton-based Marine Hotel, which is also behind the scheme, said: "As hoteliers we all have empty rooms at one time or another. We could give weeks away to a worthy person. It won't hurt our business and it will help a good cause.

"I hope more hoteliers will join the network so we can all throw a few weeks in the pot for terminally ill children."

Arthur Christian, chairman of the Babbacombe and St Marychurch Traders and Hoteliers Association, said he decided to join in the scheme after watching the same TV programme as Mr Tillen.

He said: "I happened to see the same programme. When Luke mentioned doing something similar it just fell into place.

"I thought it was a great opportunity for us to do something for a worthwhile cause while maximising the use of our rooms.

"Luke's idea could be transferred to other groups so we can offer a whole package of things. It will help bring people to the area and help a great charity."