New direct flights to the home of sherry

Monarch has announced plans to launch direct flights between Manchester and Jerez, the home of sherry, from next year.

Jerez in Andalucia, southern Spain, is famous throughout the world for its sweet wines which became known as sherry after the way the British pronounced the name of the city.

Its full name is Jerez de la Frontera because it once represented the frontier between Christians and the Moors, and today an 11th century Moorish fortress is one of its attractions.

Other include horse dancing, flamenco and of course the chance to sample some sweet wine in its home city.

The flights, which will be launched by Monarch in March 2007, will be the only direct flights between the UK and Jerez from anywhere outside of London.

Monarch has also announced plans for a new service from Birmingham to Ibiza, as well as increasing the number of flights to Alicante, Palma and Murcia.

Monarch managing director Tim Jeans said: "The introduction of the new service to both Ibiza and Jerez are great news for passengers travelling from Birmingham and Manchester."

Fares to Ibiza start from £39.99 one way, while to Jerez they start from £45 one way.

Flights to both destinations are on sale now at: www.flymonarch.com

For more information on Jerez, go to: www.andalucia.com XXX