INTERNATIONAL telephone callers are being handed a New Year bonus by NTL.

From a minute after midnight on New Year's Eve until a minute before midnight on January 2, all NTL telephone users will pay reduced call charges.

Usually, these are available only through the company's £2-per-month international call plan.

The offer applies to the UK's top 30 international call destinations.

Rates include 5p per minute to the USA and Australia and 45p to India and Pakistan.

The BT rates per minute are, 14p, 22p, 61p and 72p respectively.

All NTL international calls are subject to a 4.9p connection charge, and calls to international mobile telephones are not included.

The special rates do not apply to BT Friends and Family, Best Friends or Country Calling schemes where available.