Devastated customers who lost cash say they have now been given a “glimmer of hope” after it was revealed they could be in line for a goodwill gesture and have greated the news with relief.

The organisation, representing many major high street stores, the British Retail Consortium, has accepted in principle proposals for the move following a meeting with consumer minister Ian McCartney.

Christine Booth, from Brooklands Parade, East Park, was one of dozens of city residents affected by Farepak’s collapse, and said the news was “great”. The 48-year-old had been saving for Christmas gifts and food hampers along with other relatives and believes the family lost around £3,500.

Mother-of-three Christine said: “I had been acting as the agent for my other family members and I felt just absolutely awful when the company went into administration. We had all resigned ourselves to the fact that we weren’t going to get anything back.”

Swindon-based Farepak ran a savings scheme which an estimated 150,000 customers have put money aside for vouchers and Christmas hampers.

But administrators said that no orders would be fulfilled after the company went into administration on October 13.

British Retail Consortium spokesman Richard Dodd said: “This is purely a goodwill gesture. Retailers have expressed a willingness to help.”

By Victoria Nash