A holidaymaker has launched legal action after his family getaway to Egypt turned into a nightmare when he contracted salmonella.

When he returned to the UK, Alex Comley’s illness was allegedly deemed so severe he was unable to return to work as a pilot for EasyJet.

Comley, 33, from Bracknell, Berks, booked a 10-day break to Sonesta Beach Resort in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt in July with tour operator Thomson Holidays with his wife Louise, 36, and two-year-old son Sebastian.

However, the all-inclusive trip, which cost nearly £2,000, was ruined only four days after they arrived when Alex was struck down by the bug at their four-star resort.

He claims his illness became so serious that after returning home he needed medical treatment and was unable to return to work for EasyJet for more than a month.