Jeremy Spake, star of the top TV docu-soap Airport, flew to Bradford yesterday to officially open a new travel centre.

Mr Spake, a former Aerflot air steward, performed the opening ceremony at Sunwin Travel's new Travel Superstore in Sunwin House.

The first of its kind in the region, it's a major innovation for Yorkshire's largest travel agent.

Tony Henry, Chief Executive of Yorkshire Co-operatives, said the new travel superstore was "absolutely unique".

"We have increased the size of our travel premises ten-fold from 800 to 8,000 square feet," he said.

Staff numbers have risen from ten to 40, and three quarters of a million pounds has been invested to create a more enjoyable and complete holiday experience.

Mr Henry said: "There will be no queuing for advice or service and the range of holidays on offer has been greatly increased.

"To make things even more pleasant we have incorporated a relaxing caf area where customers can spend time browsing through brochures and reading up on special offers.

"We have also placed all the key concessions alongside so that customers interested in travel and holidays can also purchase books, maps, guides, luggage and even sun tan lotion in a single visit.

"All in all, we are offering a unique all-inclusive service to Bradford which will make shopping for holidays a pleasurable experience.

"Everyone knows us - we have been around since 1860 so are a name that people can trust.

"We have the biggest Foreign Exchange in the area and we don't charge commission.

"We are not flying to the Moon yet, but when that starts happening, we'll be there!"

Mr Spake, who became an overnight star after appearing in the BBC docu-soap, said Bradford fans were very friendly.

"The thing that has most changed since I appeared on the programme is that a five-minute nip to the shops becomes a 60-minute hike. Everyone wants to chat.

"I'm having a good time here. It's great."

Hundreds of people came to see Mr Spake, who signed autographs and chatted with visitors.

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