WHILE Tony Blair may be looking forward to his summer break in Brazil, Jamaica and Mexico, many of the region's other MP's will heading to less exotic destinations in this country.

A survey carried out by The Northern Echo found most MP's in the North-East and North Yorkshire are opting to brave Britain's notoriously fickle weather, following advice from Downing Street.

Several have chosen to follow the example of the Prime Minister - who is also planning trips to France and the south west of England - by spending time in Britain and abroad.

Others, however, may be waiting for a last minute cheap deal, as they are yet to confirm their summer holiday plans.

Meanwhile mystery surround the holiday destinations of two of the North-East's highest profile MPs.

Neither Health Secretary and Darlington MP Alan Milburn nor Hartlepool MP Peter Mandelson responded to The Northern Echo's survey as to whether they will be heading to Benidorm or Blackpool.

The Prime Minister's office recently issued the supposedly unofficial advice to support the UK tourism industry following the devastating impact of foot-and-mouth disease.

Downing Street spin doctors hope to avoid potentially embarrassing stories about MPs jetting off to sunnier climes, while businesses in traditional British holiday destinations go to the wall despite visitors trickling back to the countryside.

Tourism and farming leaders have welcomed the news that Mr Blair and his family are to spend part of their summer break in the south west, although the precise destination is unconfirmed.

However, before then, Mr Blair and his wife are on an official tour of Brazil, Jamaica and Mexico.

Downing Street confirmed that at the end of the trip they will stay on in Mexico for a week's holiday at a private ranch and, after their UK break, they will spend a few more days in France, flying on cut-price airline easyJet.

Of the region's MP's opting for a British holiday, Bishop Auckland MP Derek Foster is to visit the Cotswolds, the Lake District and Teesdale.

Sunderland South MP Chris Mullin is heading to the Orkneys, Newcastle Central MP Jim Cousins is off camping and Stockton South MP Dari Taylor is visiting her nan in South Wales.

Those heading for foreign shores includes recently wed Alan Beith, MP for Berwick-upon Tweed, who is honeymooning in Sweden and David Curry, MP for Skipton and Ripon, who is visiting his French in-laws.

See further details of the MPs holiday plans here.

Updated: 15.27 Friday, July 20