YOU can be in France in 20 minutes starting from this bank holiday weekend. LyddAir's first public flights from Lydd to Le Touquet will depart daily at 9.30am and return at 5.30pm. Passengers check in half and hour before their flight and can carry up to 15kg of luggage.

LyddAir flies Trislanders, which can carry up to 16. Every seat has a window view because of the high wing of the plane and the low level of flying. Le Touquet, 38 miles south of Calais, is a fashionable beach resort known as the Cannes of the Cote d'Opale. It has a casino, designer shops, art galleries and an abundance of cafes and restaurants.

Jonathan Gordon, Chief Operating Officer of LyddAir said: "The introduction of LyddAir provides a direct link between the lush countryside of the South East and le tres chic of Le Touquet. This route will be a great success providing a convenient alternative route to France."

Tickets are on sale by phoning the reservation line on 01797 320 000. Fares range between £39 return plus £12.50 airport tax up to £99. An online reservation system is being set up at www.lyddair.com