Discount fairs 'to paradise'

Surfers from the UK can look forward to paddling in warm crystal-clear waters - instead of cold, grey seas - after Alternative Airlines and Sri Lankan Airlines joined forces to offer bargain flights to the Maldives Islands.

The offer allows holidaymakers from the UK to fly between London's Heathrow Airport and the island's capital of Male for just £599 return including taxes.

In recent years, surfers from around the world have been drawn to the Maldives Islands to take advantage of the excellent waves throughout the year.

In fact, Sri Lankan Airlines are currently sponsoring a surfing tournament on the island which is expected to attract some of the best sportsmen in the world.

"There are nearly twelve hundred islands that make up this stunning archipelago in the warm seas of Indian Ocean," added Alternative Airlines' managing director, John Pope.

"The Maldives are rapidly becoming the most fashionable place in the world for surfing and Alternative Airlines has negotiated these special fares between London and Male to make it more affordable for those who want to spend less on their air fare and more on their beach wear."

People keen to experience the island paradise themselves can book the exclusive reduced-price tickets via the Alternative Airlines website and fly on many dates until May 2008.

The Maldives Islands are made up of 26 atolls and 1,192 islets - of which around 200 are inhabited.