easyJet has announced its newest destination from Southend Airport is to the popular island of Tenerife.

Tickets go on sale today with flights starting from December 13.

The Canary Islands are warm througout the year so people can make the most of the sunshine from Christmas onwards.

Over 11,000 passengers each year are expected to take advantage of the new twice weekly service each Tuesday and Friday.

The flight is just four hours.

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Hugh Aitken, easyJet’s UK Commercial Manager said “We’re absolutely delighted to be launching our 16th destination from London Southend to Tenerife.

"It’s the perfect winter sun destination and we’re sure it will be a big hit with our customers from Southend and the wider region.

"We have doubled the number of easy and affordable destinations available from London Southend since we launched at the airport in April 2012 to ensure that there really is an ideal destination whether travelling on business or for leisure, all year round.”

London Southend Airport Operations Director David Lister said “We are really pleased to add Tenerife to the destinations we offer here at London Southend Airport – recently voted Best Airport in the UK by Which?

"We are convinced it is going to prove hugely popular as it is without a doubt the one customers have been asking us for the most."