THE SUN is shining brightly on East Lancashire's travel agents despite a post September 11 slump in sales.

Many have reported increased sales for January as holidaymakers jet off for the sun in bigger numbers than ever, with the most popular destinations being Spain and Greece.

And a spokesman for the Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA) said that this growth was represented across the country, despite a 40 per cent drop in bookings after the terrorist atrocities

A spokesman for Rossendale-based Airtours said there were a million less holidays on the market this year, but that many special deals were encouraging people to book early.

"After September 11 we looked at what were going to be popular holidays and not as popular and re-organised what we offer.

"People are still booking holidays and we are doing as we expected at the moment."

Paul Astley, managing director of PA Travel, Wellington Street, Blackburn, said sales were up 80 percent on last January.

He added: "That is through growth, not just being busy. There was a lot of independent companies that took advantage in the downturn as people came back to them. I think the downturn was grossly exaggerated."

Karen Marsden, area manager of Fraser Eagle Worldchoice, which has four shops in Accrington and Oswaldtwistle said: "January is traditionally a strong month for us but even so, we are delighted with the figures.

"In our Blackburn Road agency sales are up by more than 60 per cent on this time last year, which is absolutely tremendous. While across the group as a whole, sales are up by more than a third. All the signs are that this current trend is continuing.

"Fraser Eagle Worldchoice, like the rest of the industry, was hit hard. October was probably our worst month ever but now it looks like we have turned the corner."

Scott Harrison, manager of Brunlea Travel, Hammerton Street, Burnley, said sales were about 15 percent up on January last year. He added: "Since Christmas it has been none stop, our sale has doubled since the festive period. People are still going to the usual places.

"September 11 hasn't affected us at all. I think bigger companies have been more affected, but customers seem to want to come back to the independent travel agents."

Christine Parkington, manager of Accrington Travel Worldchoice, Peel Street, Accrington, said: "We have been quite busy. We are definitely up on last January.

"People are interested in holidays again and business is working out quite well."

A spokesman for Lunn Poly, which has nine stores in East Lancashire said the company had many popular special offers on at the moment.

He added: "There was a dip in sales post September 11, but then it picked up.

"Interestingly, bookings in October were up on the year before, so people may have delayed booking their holidays during September.

"Now we are busy with people planning their summer getaways, which is understandable given the weather!"

Sean Tipton, a spokesman for ABTA, said: "Increases of 60 and 80 are very high, so congratulations to those companies.

"September 11 affected businesses in the short term."