BOLTONIANS are splashing out to see in the Millennium on distant shores. But while the rest of Britain is going Disney-mad and heading for Florida for January 1, Crompton Place travel agents Thomas Cook say local people are preferring to opt for the Far East and other long haul destinations. Manager Julie Nickerson says bookings have soared since the New Year.

People are prepared to pay an average of £1,250 per person to see in the Millennium in places like Thailand before their friends back in Britain.

She said: "Boltonians have certainly entered into the Millennium spirit."

Nationally, the company has seen a 400 per cent increase in holiday bookings for the end of this year, compared with last year.

A total of £150 million is expected to be spent on Millennium holidays.

Disney World in Florida is the most popular destination with 37 per cent of bookings, followed by 18 per cent opting for a cruise in the Caribbean and another 17 per cent going to destinations in the USA.

But some patriotic Brits are preferring to stay on home soil for the historic moment - Thomas Cook has taken 23 bookings for Pontins!

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