SOME Oxfordshire families left out of pocket by the collapse of Christmas hamper firm Farepak have received compensation cheques – but they are disappointed with the amount.

Liquidators for the Swindon-based firm said about 5,900 customers and agents of the failed firm would share a total of £240,000 after a court agreed their claims in July.

However 122,000 customers are only expected to get 5p for every £1 owed in a second payment scheme, although it is unclear when this will be paid.

In December 2006, two months after the firm folded, families were told it could be as much as 20p for every £1.

More than 30 families and Farepak agents in Oxfordshire lost about £30,000 of savings — including 20 families from Blackbird Leys, in Oxford.

Helen Boore, 46, of Ladenham Road, Blackbird Leys, had paid in £900 in 2006 but got just £125 back last week.

The mother-of-six said: “I was surprised to get that. But for the rest I will only get about 5p for every £1, which works out about £50, which isn’t really worth it. It’s disappointing, especially just before Christmas.”