It is feared a mail-shot which arrives in an envelope marked 'Official Evacuation Notice' could offend people who were forced to leave their homes after the Clifton gas explosion.

Harry Hayes, of Chatsworth Drive, Haxby, contacted the Evening Press after receiving the holiday advertising which comes in a blue envelope carrying the slogan in yellow.

He said: "Fortunately I am not easily worried by mail before it is opened and I was not at all surprised to discover that it was a sales gimmick to promote overseas holidays.

"However, I think that many older people would have been upset at receiving this misleading rubbish as would the people of Clifton and Rawcliffe after their recent fire."

Mr Hayes also worried that people evacuated during the Blitz could be shocked by the mailshot.

Eileen Goodall, of Reighton Avenue, Clifton, who was evacuated during the Clifton fire, said: "I can't see it offending me but an older person might be."

Walter Beech, 83, of Byron Drive, left his house for the first time in ten years when he was evacuated during the fire. Mr Beech, who was born during the First World War and fought in the Second World War, said: "I've been through the Blitz and bombing in the desert and I don't think a thing like this would upset me."

Coun Mark Waudby, who represents the Rawcliffe area said: "I think if anybody round here received the mail-shot, especially perhaps those in their 'golden years', it might offend and upset some of them because I know that being evacuated came as a big shock."

A spokesman for Eclipse holidays said: "We would like to apologise for any distress caused by a recent direct mail campaign.

"The campaign was designed to promote holidays and was in no way meant to offend.

"Eclipse has cancelled the remainder of the mailing and will ensure no further direct mail is issued along the same lines."

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