ANGRY people who lost thousands of pounds between them with the collapse of the Farepak trading scheme packed into a public meeting in Newport.

More that 80 people attended the meeting in St Paul's Church, Commercial Street, to share their stories of misery and heartache.

Among those gathered were a group of deaf women. They voiced their concerns through the aid on sign interpreter.

Karen Hughes, 35 from Malpas is the agent for the group.

"It is much harder for me to get any information," she said.

"I have to use a talk to text service. It takes a long time and there is not always that facility to help us.

"Not enough is being done to inform deaf Farepak customers about what is going on."

Mother-of-three Debbie Harvey, 41 from Alway, lost more than £1,800.

"The first I knew about Farepak going bust was from a teller at the bank when I went to pay in another £200."

And she said of the firm's directors: "I'm sure they are going to have a very nice Christmas."

Distraught twin sisters Vikki and Sarah Chick, 25 from Ty-Sign, Risca have lost £2,000.

"My little boy is seven and he wants Playstation games for Christmas. What am I supposed to do?"

Rachel Evans, 23 and her husband Andrew, 40, saved £590 with Farepak for their two children for Christmas.

The couple from Bettws say their children, who are both under five, are too young to understand what has happened.

"My boy wanted a quad bike and my daughter likes these dolls that everyone else is having for Christmas," says Mrs Evans.

"There is no way we have save that much money up again. There isn't enough time."

Mr Evans added: "I'm working 16 hour shifts to try and raise some extra money. We're devastated."

Mary Hayes, 58 of Trinity Court, Newport, was distraught as she talked of a friend of hers who lost all the money she had saved to buy her grandchildren presents.

"Midge is an 81-year-old. She saved over £300 from her pension to give them a good Christmas," she said.

"Now she has nothing and no way of earning extra money at her age.

"I break my heart for her every time I think about it."

Newport West MP Paul Flynn called on businesses in the city to give generously to a fund set up to help the victims of the Farepak scheme.

"It is criminal what has happened to the customers of Farepak," said the MP.

"These people were the salt of the earth, the savers, not those people who put everything of credit cards and get into ridiculous debt."

Mr Flynn called for all businesses in Newport to give generously to the response fund that has been set up by a voluntary body in York, to raise money for those affected.

"We are not talking about a few pounds, we need serious money to help these people," he added.

Last night's meeting, which was organised by Trinity Methodist church, heard from Newport charity Raven House on what support is available.

Church member and accountant Ian Thomas were also on hand to offer advice.

Questions were raised during the meeting as to why the government were not setting up a relief fund and giving money as they do during disasters like the Tsunami.

Other asked whether or not it would be possible for money from this year's Children In Need night to be given to the children who are going to suffer as a result of Farepak's closure.

BLOB Supermarkets like Sainsbury's are offering victims some help and HBOS bank has made a donation to the appeal.

Newport Credit Union are offering a helping hand. For advice and information of loan information, ring 01633 214913.

Raven House charity are giving away donations, such as hampers, ring 01633 762999.

To make donations to the response fund, log-on to www.farepakresponsefund.org.uk or ring 0845 260 1096.

MP Paul Flynn can be contacted on 01633 262348.

If you would just like to talk to someone about your problems, Rev Delyth Liddell-Davies of Trinity Methodist Church is available to give spiritual support.