A travel agent in Ashtead has spoken out to reassure the public in the wake of the Costa Concordia cruise ship disaster.

Warren Dachtler, managing director of Style Cruises on Craddocks Parade, said: "As members of the Association of Cruise Experts and LCA, the Leading Cruise Agents of the UK, we have been able to keep ahead of all the national news following the incident.

"We were fortunate that we did not have any of our customers involved. I have been selling cruise holidays for more than 30 years and this is the first time that such a rare incident has occurred involving a cruise ship.

"Last week was naturally less busy than usual but fortunately our clients seem to have taken stock of the situation and have not been deterred from booking a cruise.

"Those thinking of cruising for the first time are seeking reassurance before booking."

Over the last six years 117 million people took a cruise resulting in just 21 fatalities.

The company plans to run a special event at their Ashtead office on Thursday, February 23, highlighting cruises to the Baltic cities and St Petersbourg in Russia.

For more information visit stylecruises.co.uk or call 01372 271754.