SCORES of Swindonians are heading south this Christmas in search of winter sunshine.

It seems the hot climates, glistening blues seas and mouth-watering foreign cuisine are simply too tempting.

According to Amy Restell of Lunn Poly on the Orbital Shopping Park, the Canary Islands is the hottest destination, with many planning to spend Christmas Day on the beach.

People, on average, are paying £240 per person per week.

She said: "A lot of people do not want the hassle of a family Christmas and would prefer to spend it away.

Louise Tunsich, a travel advisor at Going Places on Regent Street, said the firm has taken hundreds of Christmas bookings.

She said: "The Canaries is certainly a popular choice, especially with families who do not want a long flight.

"Also a lot of people may only have a week off so they don't want to venture too far.

"In three hours you can be in a warm climate."

In addition to the sun-seekers, the travel advisor says many are going in search of some culture.

She said: "Dublin, Prague, Amsterdam and Paris are all proving popular with people who want to get away for just a few days and see different places."