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A group of holidaymakers is suing an airline after a flight from Mexico to Manchester was delayed for 19 hours.

Hundreds of passengers were left stranded in Cancun when an administrative error grounded flight TOM195.

The jet was denied permission to fly through US airspace as some of the passengers' passport details had not been entered into a database as required.

Stranded: Nick Marriott (third from the left) his wife (second from left) and their two grown-up daughters were returning from Mexico when they were delayed for 19 hours

Passengers spent five hours at the airport in Cancun as a result of the gaffe before being told the flight would not depart until the following day.

They were put up in a local hotel and eventually landed at Manchester Airport some 19 hours late.

Thomson Airways initially offered £10 compensation although later increased it to £100 per passenger.

But some travellers - furious at the 'token' original offer - believe new EU rules on delayed flights entitles them to up to £500.

Administrative error: The Thomson plane was not allowed to fly through US airspace as some passengers' details had not been entered into a database as required

Among those taking action is Nick Marriott, 46, who says the delay in November ruined his family's £4,700 dream holiday.

The council worker, who travelled with his wife and two children, 20 and 18, said he had to fork out £45 for airport food as well as fund an extra stay in a kennel for his pet dog. Passengers are also claiming for lost earnings.

Mr Marriott said: 'Thomson Airways managed the situation terribly. It was only after over five hours that they offered us bottles of water and started to suggest that the flight probably wouldn't leave that night.

Long day: Passengers were forced to wait at Cancun Airport for five hours before they were eventually told their plane would not depart until the following day

Finally home: Thomson Airways initially offered £10 compensation to delayed passengers, although later increased it to £100 per person

'The whole experience was a nightmare and a terrible way to end what had been a fantastic holiday in Mexico.'

The Marriotts, from Sheffield, and 20 other passengers who were on the delayed flight are being represented by law firm Thompson Solicitors.

Solicitor Martyn Gwyther said: 'The way in which Thomson Airways have treated their passengers is appalling, as were their attempts to get off cheaply by flouting their responsibilities.'

But a spokesman for the airline said: 'We would like to apologise for the inconvenience caused to customers after their flight was delayed. 

'The law is complex and some situations will not result in compensation. As this is subject to legal proceedings we are unable to comment further.'