THERE'S only one way to travel if you're an adventurous ape - monkey-business class!

And that's precisely how Monkey Matthews spends most of his time as he lays claim to being the travelling champ of East Lancashire.

Or should that be chimp?

When Monkey Matthews - who belongs to the lesser-known knitted variety of the species - is not sunning himself in Fuerteventura, he is soaking up the culture of Prague.

He has also enjoyed breaks in Britain, visiting places like Glasgow.

So well travelled is Monkey Matthews - or just Monkey to his mates - he even has his own passport!

Monkey was the creation of Linda Clemson, of Wilpshire, who spent weeks knitting him, modelling him on the star of ITV Digital's advertising campaign.

The series of adverts have transformed ITV's Monkey and his sidekick -- Northern comedian Johnny Vegas -- into cult figures.

Linda then passed on her creation to daughter, Lucy, who brought it in to to show her colleagues in the classified department at the Lancashire Evening Telegraph. And it was decided that every time one of the team went on holiday they would take Monkey with them.

Deputy classified manager Stephanie Matthews said: "Usually when one of us goes on holiday we have to bring back a tacky present, but we wanted to do something different. So we decided we would take Monkey away with us." The department attached a series of conditions to those who wanted to take Monkey away. They must come back with a picture of him at the departing airport, on the plane, lounging in the sun plus another photo of their choice. And if possible get his passport stamped - something that has not proved too popular.

"I took him to Fuerteventura, but I didn't ask to get his passport stamped," said Karen Jepson. "Can you imagine the response?"

Currently back home in East Lancashire, Monkey is waiting for a trip Stateside in the coming months where he will probably be the first knitted Monkey in the world to watch the latest, eagerly awaited Star Wars film.

In the meantime he can look forward to a trip closer to home.

He is going to Steph's house in Feniscowles and is booked in for some well-earned pampering.