RECORD numbers are expected to flee to warmer pastures this Easter.

And Huddersfield people have joined the rush to the sun.

As the holiday weekend nears, flights to sun spots like Tenerife and Lanzarote are filling up by the day.

Easter has fallen late this year and huge numbers decided to book holidays for this weekend many months ago.

But miserable weather and even snow have led many to descend on travel agents this week, grabbing in desperation last minute seats bound for anywhere warmer.

Samantha Hooton, of Travel Experience, Kirkburton, said: "A lot more people have booked for Easter this year with it being later. We have seen a lot of demand for resorts in Egypt like Sharm El Sheikh and Taba Heights.

"The snow has brought some extra last minute sun-seekers in this week, and there are still some destinations left, so we might not have finished just yet."

With the later Easter, more holiday resorts are open for business.

The top destination this Easter, according to travel agent Thomas Cook, is Tenerife.

Lanzarote, Cyprus, Gran Canaria and Mallorca complete the top five.

According to airline Monarch, flights are over 95% full and passenger numbers are up to 60% higher than last year.

Monarch's managing Director, Tim Jeans said: "This week's snow has been the final straw for thousands hoping for a thaw in the English weather."

According to travel agents and airlines, it is still not too late to find a flight to the sun.