A father and daughter from Ashford have joined forces and set up an online travel business which they run from their home.

Rob and Charlie Tinsley, of Imperial Way, Singleton, have launched the new business, Bear Face Travel, which offers customers tailored holidays with a personal touch.

Rob, 54, is the managing director and Charlie is a personal travel consultant.

The idea behind the name was inspired by Rob’s wife Fiona, who sadly died last year.

Rob and Charlie say their family has a passion for travelling, but feel that booking online lacks the personal touch.

Rob said: “One of the things that makes us different is the emphasis on a personal service with tailored package holidays at keen internet prices.

“We want to take the hassle out of organising the perfect holiday, making sure the whole experience is memorable for all the right reasons” - Charlie Tinsley

“One of the stressful things about going on holiday is going to the airport. We would try to reduce the stress by including access to the VIP lounge for a discounted price.”

Bear Face Travel specialises in honeymoons and holidays to the Maldives.

It also offers getaways including luxury retreats, cruises, ski and adventure holidays, coach holidays and city breaks, and also event packages such as a Formula 1 experience and Wimbledon.

Rob, a father-of-four and grandfather-of-one, said: “I wanted to establish a family business that we could grow and develop, something that my children, grandchildren and so forth could benefit from in the future. Also, by keeping it in the family we can deliver a more personal touch.”

The pair are also looking to form partnerships with companies in the area to offer breaks at discounted prices for employees.

The business is backed by Explorer Travel, meaning the company is ATOL and ABTA registered.

Charlie, 22, a former Homewood School pupil, said: “We want to take the hassle out of organising the perfect holiday, making sure the whole experience is memorable for all the right reasons.”

For more information, visit www.bearfacetravel.co.uk or call 01233 647447.