Thousands of Brits who fled Rhodes wildfires last July offered free seven-night stay this year

THOUSANDS of Brits who fled wildfires in Rhodes last July have been offered a free seven-night stay this year. Terrified holidaymakers had to be repatriated on mercy flights. AFPBrits who fled wildfires in Rhodes last July have been offered a free seven-night stay[/caption] But from today they can enjoy free sunshine breaks after the Greek government agreed a £4million giveaway. The trips are for those whose names were passed to Greek officials by hoteliers. Week-long stays are available now until May 31 and again from October 1 to November 15. Some people have already received an email about the deal. Last night Helen Tonks, who spent two nights in an evacuation centre, said: “I’ve got no idea how it works but if we could go we would.” Jess Bailey, who was also evacuated, said: “I haven’t heard the specifics of the scheme but I would love to go back to Rhodes in different circumstances. “What I went through as a tourist was nothing compared to what the people of Rhodes endured. “I just hope that the island its residents and wildlife have managed to recover. “In the short time I was there I was bowled over by the kindness people of Rhodes showed us.” Yannis Papavasiliou, president of the Union of Hoteliers in Rhodes, told The Sun: “Around 3,000 have so far responded to the offer. “But once word gets around we have been told to expect a much bigger number in October. “Most were here with tour operators and they will be reimbursed along the lines of the package they had booked. “If it was all-inclusive, then it will be all-inclusive now.” One top tourism official said: “We can’t wait to have our British friends back.”