THE deadly Sars virus sweeping the globe forced a social club to cancel a dream trip to Canada just days before a travel ban was lifted.

Eight couples from the Droitwich Spa and Saltway Rotary Club were due to jet off to Toronto last Thursday for a once-in-a-lifetime holiday as part of an exchange programme.

But the World Health Organisation, which was concerned about the high number of deaths in Toronto from the pneumonia-like Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (Sars), advised travellers to veto the city.

However, the lifting of the travel ban this morning came too late for the holidaymakers who had organised last-minute alternatives.

The World Health Organisation and the British Department of Health had previously advised UK travellers to defer travel arrangements to Greater Toronto because of the escalating epidemic. To date, it has claimed 21 Canadian victims and more than 200 worldwide.

Saltway Rotarians had been eagerly making holiday plans for months but on Wednesday night a crunch meeting was called at the Raven Hotel, in St Andrew's Street, to decide whether it was safe to travel.

Saltway Rotary press officer Gordon Hughes said: "While the group was really looking forward to the break, it was agreed that unnecessary risks could not be taken."

Rotary International co-ordinates the exchanges, which allow Rotarians in Europe and beyond to visit other clubs and then play host in return. The Spa couples were set to join forces with Toronto Rotarians for a whirlwind tour of tourist hotspots and it was hoped the Canadians would visit Droitwich at a later date.

Mr Hughes added: "Having made arrangements and to avoid disappointment, members have rescheduled to safer climes but it's hoped that once the Sars outbreak is under control, we can start thinking about another trip.

"It's very sad, because although the exchange was due to last one week, the travellers had booked to stay on for another week so they could travel around the country."

He was unsure whether the insurance company would cover the flight and hotel costs. "We shall have to wait until everyone is back home and then look into it," he added.