THOUSANDS of families will be jetting off from Southampton International Airport for a welcome half-term break.

The great getaway, which is the first big break of the year, is not necessarily to sunnier climes, though.

Flybe says figures have revealed that families across the south have not been put off by the recent cold snap, and are favouring UK breaks rather than escaping to sunnier European destinations, with cities in Scotland and the north of England proving espcially popular.

The airline is advising half-term holidaymakers to book their seats now because they are selling quickly.

Mike Rutter, chief commercial officer for Flybe, said: "Our half-term routes are selling extremely well and our latest figures suggest that more and more people are taking advantage of our great value offers.

"Flybe's combination of convenient regional departure points, exciting new destinations and low-cost fares means that family travel is becoming more accessible.

"We offer a great range of destinations whatever people are looking for.

"But routes are filling up fast, so we are urging prospective travellers to book their half-term seats now to ensure they bag their bargain!"

With flights from Southampton to a range of destinations across the UK and Europe, including Alicante, Amsterdam, Belfast, Bergerac, Düsseldorf, Edinburgh, Hannover and La Rochelle, Flybe says it is offering the perfect excuse to escape on a family break this month.

Seats are available for booking now at www.flybe.com.