A pensioner from Mossley says he was left 'sickened' after birthday cards from friends were ripped open in his daughter's luggage when she flew from Manchester Airport.

Fred Smith was looking forward to celebrating his 67th birthday and the New Year with his daughter Wendy, 46, at his holiday apartment in Tenerife.

But the grandfather-of-one says their celebrations were marred after someone rifled through Wendy's checked-in bags.

Although nothing was stolen, envelopes containing two birthday cards intended for Mr Smith – and clearly marked with his details – were torn open, leaving the pair 'disgusted'.

They discovered her baggage had been tampered with when she arrived at his apartment in Tenerife and reported the incident to Manchester Airport on their return to the UK.

Mr Smith told the M.E.N: "I feel sick about the whole situation. It angers me that someone could open a passenger's bag, tamper with their possessions and get away with it.

"We don't know where her bag was opened but we are certain it happened between checking in at Manchester and landing in Tenerife.

"Probably someone was just chancing it. I'm sure if the cards had contained money then the cash would have gone."

The pair are now warning others to make sure their luggage is securely locked when they travel.

Mr Smith added: "Wendy's suitcase was zipped up but it wasn't locked. The problem is that it can be difficult to attach locks to small eyelets – if you use larger cases then they weigh more and use up your allowance but in future I'd make sure all bags are properly locked."

Mr Smith says he hasn't reported the incident to the police because no items were stolen but has informed Manchester Airport.

A spokeswoman for Thomson Airways said: "Customer satisfaction is of paramount importance to Thomson Airways and we are concerned to hear of Mr Smith’s claim that his daughter’s luggage was tampered with.

"Thomson Airways takes these allegations very seriously and will be investigating this claim fully."