UK-based travel operator Thomas Cook is facing objections from family campaigners after launching a new tour of Amsterdam’s red-light district.

The two-hour long tour – called Dark Amsterdam – includes a briefing by a former prostitute and a guided walk around the area.

Operated by Thomas Cook Signature, a specialist arm of the Thomas Cook group, the tour offers discounted child places, which has sparkedcriticism in the media.

-A spokesperson for Thomas Cook said: “Amsterdam's red light district is a very famous part of the city. Thomas Cook Signature, along with other UK tour operators, works with a local tour company which has introduced the tour in response to requests from visitors.

“Thomas Cook provides this tour as one of several options for its visitors to Amsterdam. Whether to take it is at the customer's discretion.

“As with all tours, child places are available but Thomas Cook Signature would not expect customers to bring their families and is not aware of any children having taken the tour to date.” Details: www.tcsignature.com