TWO budget airlines are to battle it out in an online summer holiday price war on flights from the North-East.

Last night, bmibaby and Ryanair launched fare cuts, to coincide with the peak summer holiday period.

Bmibaby is selling half-price flights to at least three destinations from Teesside International Airport each day. The destinations are being kept secret until they are announced online.

Flights must be booked before midnight on Thursday and can be used until October. Destinations will include cities as well as Mediterranean resorts.

David Bryon, of bmibaby, said: "This latest offer is exciting because we are keeping the daily offers a secret."

Budget rival Ryanair, flying from Newcastle and Tees-side, is offering thousands of seats for £19.99. Flights must be booked before midnight on Monday and can be used until the end of September.

Annette McGarry, of Ryanair, said the deals were available peak season so people should "get online and get away".

Visit www.bmibaby.com or www.ryanair.com for details.