Every year 25,000 people in the UK make pilgrimages to Saudi Arabia and many from Burnley will now be booking what their "trip of a lifetime". Most people buy well-organised tours but the MP has warned that the Government has been receiving complaints that some are not living up to what they have promised.

An average Hajj tour package can cost £2,500 and such sums can be temping targets for crooks. Reports have been made that some operators have not booked flights; accommodation is sometimes not booked or not what has been promised and visa arrangements have not been made.

Mrs Ussher wants to raise awareness that before handing over cash, customers should ensure the company is reputable and properly registered. All companies that sell package trips should have an Air Travel Organiser Licence (ATOL) and customers should check the website www.atol.org.uk to ensure their travel operator is registered. Simple steps such as taking personal recommendations from friends or family and comparing prices offered with other dealers will also help beat the cheats.

She said: "Hundreds of people from Burnley every year go to Mecca for the Hajj and it should be a wonderful life experience. However there are some people who will try to exploit innocent pilgrims and I want to make sure everyone who pays money gets their trip of a lifetime to remember for the right reasons.

"Before handing over any money people should check that companies are properly registered and ask friends and relatives for personal recommendations. Customers who travel on the Hajj are protected by the same legislation as any other package and should be able to expect the same high quality service for their money."