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 group held a crunch meeting last Wednesday night and decided it just wasn't worth the risk going to Canada," said Saltway Rotary spokesman Gordon Hughes.

"Instead, they went to see their travel agents the next morning and decided to fly off elsewhere.

Visit friends

"I know one couple decided to go and visit friends in Boston and another couple opted to go to Spain.

"The couples had spent a long time planning their trip to Canada and as well as the exchange programme, had opted to spend a few extra days sightseeing.

"Having to cancel the trip at the last minute was a bitter blow.

"They are due back tomorrow so I will find out then whether the costs of the new trip are covered by their insurance."