FLIGHTS from Bournemouth Airport direct to the Caribbean have been launched for next winter.

Three services will operate to Barbados using Boeing 747 Jumbo Jets of European Air Charter.

And it could herald the start of a whole series of long haul flights to that part of the world with St Lucia, Antigua and Grenada already being considered.

The organisers, Bath Travel, are already chartering the ex-British Airways Jumbos for one flight to Moscow and two to New York next year.

The Barbados services - all featuring two-week holidays, depart October 25 and November 8 and 22.

The company's Joint Managing Director, Stephen Bath, said: "This is Barbados in style using the world's most popular long haul aircraft with first, business and economy classes.

"We're offering 20 hotels in what is undoubtedly the most popular of the upmarket Caribbean islands. Prices are from £898 per person.

"This is a just a test series for us and if Barbados is as popular as we expect it to be I would hope within two years to be operating right through the winter season to a variety of Caribbean destinations.

Bournemouth International Airport's sales and marketing manager John Donohue welcomed the news.

He said: "We are delighted that once again Bath Travel has put its confidence in the fantastic catchment area Bournemouth can offer.

"With four million passengers living within a 90 minute drive time we are sure these holidays will be a success and look forward to the possibility of even more destinations being added in the future."