FREEZING temperatures and blizzard conditions have given a boost to one industry that promises to banish the winter blues.

Jonathan Schofield

FREEZING temperatures and blizzard conditions have given a boost to one industry that promises to banish the winter blues.

With schools shut down and parents stuck at home during the UK's coldest winter for 30 years - thoughts have turned to sundrenched beaches, and hot days cooled only by an icy tequila.

Travel Agents have reported a boom in inquiries for holidays and one home based agent in Suffolk said bookings were up on previous years.

Gillian and Andy Fouracre who run Travel Counsellors from their home in Churchgate Street, Bury St Edmunds, say they have been snowed under with customers.

Mrs Fouracre said: “We have had so many phone calls from people wanting to get away from the terrible weather, many of whom couldn't leave their own homes because of the weather conditions.

“When people are sitting at home keeping warm and the news is filled with scenes of a gridlocked country under feet of snow people are clearly thinking of a holiday in the sun. That includes a winter break or in many cases people planning their summer holidays already.”