Those sinking hearts take flight

POLICE were called to Heathrow Airport yesterday to control the record numbers of Britons fleeing the country in search of Bank Holiday sunshine.

Though the crowding at Terminal One led to two-hour delays few passengers seemed to share the patriotic sentiments of the Prime Minister who, opening his European election campaign in Bristol on Tuesday, said that 'I never leave Britain without the spirit sinking a little.' Mr Major added: 'It always lifts the heart to set foot here once again.' On a dull though dry day, it is doubtful that many shared that sentiment either.

Police were forced to limit access to Terminal One, which handles British Airways' European and domestic flights. The crowding caused delays of up to two hours there. Scotland Yard said there was no trouble with passengers but at one stage queues were spilling out of the Terminal One building.

A BA spokeswoman said the airline carried nearly 100,000 passengers into and out of Heathrow and Gatwick airports yesterday, with about 360 flights departing from London. Heathrow had predicted around 600,000 passengers over the Friday to Monday period, but the number arriving for flights yesterday exceeded earlier estimates, said a spokeswoman. 'They're going anywhere that the sun's shining.'

Weather forecasters' predictions for Britain suggested that those taking part in the exodus were justified. After more than a week of cold and wet weather, temperatures around the country are expected to rise throughout the holiday from a below-average 10C (50F), but only gradually.