A LOVE affair between Bournemouth and Germany took flight yesterday with the Valentine's Day launch of the new air route to Frankfurt-Hahn.

Low-cost airline Ryanair embossed its first-ever scheduled service from Bournemouth International Airport to the continent with images of Cupid and hearts. And female passengers on the near-capacity 189-seat flight were each handed a red rose to ensure they embarked on the historic journey in a romantic mood.

The new daily route marks a major feather in the airport's cap - it is set to bring around 100,000 new passengers a year, and millions of pounds to the local economy.

And it was the in-bound travellers from the heart of Germany who arrived first, many visiting Dorset for the first time.

These included Dietmar Preibisch and his wife Irmtrud, who came from their home near Bonn to visit their son Holger, currently studying in Bournemouth.

"We will be here until Sunday, and are looking forward to seeing Poole, Corfe Castle and the beautiful Dorset coast," said Mr Preibisch.

All the flights over the next few days are at least 80 per cent full, which airport marketing manger John Donohue said was a "fantastic" start.

"I think the value for money involved has really won people over," he added.

"We had a whole coach-load of exchange students travel up from Truro for today's flight, while another customer told us she would now be able to visit her son in Luxembourg much more regularly."

Free tickets to Frankfurt-Hahn will be up for grabs at Friday's student rugby international match between England and Ireland at Bournemouth Sports Club, Chapel Gate, near Hurn.

Ryanair is sponsoring the clash, which kicks off at 7.15pm, giving away 15 pairs of tickets to lucky programme holders. A draw will be made by Christchurch Mayor Cllr Josephine Spencer at half-time.

And the airline also presented the Irish squad with 15 free practice shirts when it touched down at the airport on Thursday afternoon.