A GENEROUS agent from a collapsed money transfer company has paid out £10,000 to customers who lost money in Swindon.

Money that was supposed to reach expectant families in Bangladesh failed to arrive before national firm First Solution went into liquidation last month.

One family in Swindon sent money so their loved one could have a medical operation, while another wanted to contribute to the cost of a family wedding.

Agent Mohammed Ali, 42, has taken out a £10,000 loan to reimburse affected customers in the town, even though he is not to blame.

He is one of 100 independent agents throughout the country who collected money to be transferred to Bangladesh on behalf of the company.

Mr Ali said he felt guilty and had a responsibility to help those affected, even though he was nothing to do with the firm's collapse.

"People who have lost money are angry and upset," he said.

"They don't care what happened at head office as they only deal with me.

"They said: you are a trustworthy person - we don't know First Solution, we only know you and we want our money.'"

A scheme similar to the one which helped victims of the Farepak collapse has been established in response to the crisis.

It is estimated that about 2,000 customers in the UK have lost £1.7m.

"These people have their loved ones at home," said Mr Ali, who has four children.

"I couldn't bear it as these people had trust in me.

"Hard working people have been affected.

"I didn't want to lose my status in the community."

Mr Ali, who owns Spice Express takeaway in Purton, reimbursed 11 customers in Swindon who lost £10,000 between them.

South Swindon MP Anne Snelgrove has appealed to the Bangladeshi community to register with the William Beveridge Foundation, which has set up a fund to help.

Labour activist Junab Ali, of Cottingham Close, Freshbrook, used First Solution, but luckily did so before the company went bust.

"Many of the people affected in Swindon are in low-paid jobs here. They scrimp and save to send money back home," he said.

"These guys are barely surviving. They are just trying to help people at home.

"In extreme cases, some of their family in Bangladesh may have to go without food and other necessities."

First Solution went into liquidation in June owing £2m to the public - most of whom live in the Sylhet region of Bangladesh.

The company is now the subject of a police investigation.

People who lost money should contact insolvency practitioner Panos Eliades Frankin and Co on 0208 815 4000.

They should also telephone the Sir William Beveridge Foundation on 0845 602 2548. Ring the same number to make a donation to the charity.