PASSENGERS looking for winter sun will soon be able to jet off later this year after EasyJet announced flights from Southend to Gran Canaria.

Tickets from Southend Airport to Las Palmas, Gran Canaria went on sale today with flights set for take-off from November 6.

The new route is expected to fly 12,000 passengers a year to and from Gran Canaria, with flights on offer twice a week throughout the winter.

Neil Slaven, commercial manager at easyJet, said: "We're delighted to be adding Gran Canaria to easyJet's range of destinations from Southend in a move which provides our passengers with an additional winter holiday destination from the airport, further strengthening our already comprehensive European flight network.

"It also highlights our commitment to providing affordable routes for both leisure and business passengers from the airport and we're sure that it will prove extremely popular."

Sixteen destinations are now offered by easyJet, with flights to Gran Canaria from £30.99 one-way.

Glyn Jones, chief executive officer of Stobartair, which owns Southend Airport said: "Gran Canaria is a fantastic winter sun destination - and it's now right on the doorstep for passengers from Essex and the South East. “We are absolutely delighted that easyJet is now offering another route from London Southend.

"With excellent access, including our own station, trains to and from the East London hub of Stratford in 45 minutes, unique customer service and now even more fantastic destinations - it's no surprise that more and more people are choosing London Southend."