Thousands of Brits who fled Rhodes wildfires last July offered free seven-night stay this year

THOUSANDS of Brits who fled wildfires in Rhodes last July have been offered a free seven-night stay this year.

Terrified holidaymakers had to be repatriated on mercy flights.

AFP

Brits who fled wildfires in Rhodes last July have been offered a free seven-night stay[/caption]

But from today they can enjoy free sunshine breaks after the Greek government agreed a £4million giveaway.

The trips are for those whose names were passed to Greek officials by hoteliers.

Week-long stays are available now until May 31 and again from October 1 to November 15.

Some people have already received an email about the deal.

Last night Helen Tonks, who spent two nights in an evacuation centre, said: “I’ve got no idea how it works but if we could go we would.”

Jess Bailey, who was also evacuated, said: “I haven’t heard the specifics of the scheme but I would love to go back to Rhodes in different circumstances.

“What I went through as a tourist was nothing compared to what the people of Rhodes endured.

“I just hope that the island its residents and wildlife have managed to recover.

“In the short time I was there I was bowled over by the kindness people of Rhodes showed us.”

Yannis Papavasiliou, president of the Union of Hoteliers in Rhodes, told The Sun: “Around 3,000 have so far responded to the offer.

“But once word gets around we have been told to expect a much bigger number in October.

“Most were here with tour operators and they will be reimbursed along the lines of the package they had booked.

“If it was all-inclusive, then it will be all-inclusive now.”

One top tourism official said: “We can’t wait to have our British friends back.”