The historic town’s mayor, addressing a local population of 90,000 as well as millions around the rest of Spain, told how almost no-one had been sleeping in their homes. At least 20,000 buildings have been damaged as part of what was the country’s worst earthquake for half a century. The tragic magnitude 5.2 tremor rocked the area early on Wednesday evening, just two hours after a pervious quake had measured 4.4.

All of those that were killed, including a pregnant woman and her child, lost their lives during the second tremor. While several rest in hospital in a serious condition, 130 people sustained injuries according to regional officials.

Lorca’s Mayor Francisco Jodar also went on to explain that blankets, food, and water had been supplied to those that had been forced to flee their homes with medical and psychological help also on hand for all those that require it.

Clearly upset, Jodar told of his sadness at seeing his neighbours having to spend the evening outdoors while also confessing his fears that another natural disaster of similar catastrophic proportions might be on its way in the next few days.

Prices are being cut by as much as 35 per cent as agents and operators desperately attempt to woo cash-strapped customers for those final summer package holidays before the onset of winter.

Traditional family favourites, such as Spain, Turkey and Cyprus have all seen prices tumble, with UK holidaymakers in particular being offered the opportunity to experience these always popular destinations at a fraction of the usual cost. According to the recently releases Family Holiday Report from the Post Office, the price of an average family package holiday has dropped by one-third compared to this time last year.

One such website that specialises in bargain package holidays is package-holidays.com, where you can find a range of discounted deals to suit every vacation need. Offering a wide selection of holidays from all over the world, the site specialises in European locations and even offers a range of handy holiday information guides to the likes of Spain, France, Italy, Holland, Greece, Portugal, Malta, Slovenia, Montenegro and Poland. For those looking further afield, there are cheap package holidays to California and Florida in the USA, where families can be thrilled at Disneyland or Disney World.

There is also a fantastic selection of package holiday deals to suit all manner of journey, be it a beach break, ski holiday, winter retreat of luxury treat. On the easy to navigate homepage, simply enter your vacation requirements and then let the website search for the best package holiday for you. In a matter of seconds you will be provided with details of resorts and hotels and how to get there. Best of all, there are no hidden fees or surcharges, meaning the price you see is the price you pay.

Since the effects of the global economic crisis sent the pound tumbling against the euro around 18 months ago, devastating the travel and tourism industry, many traditional destinations for UK holidaymakers have been priced out of reach.

However, in a boost for those planning a summer getaway, the pound has rebounded to reach a new 19-month high against the European currency. The single currency has fallen by a significant 11 per cent against the sterling in the past 12 months, with the good news released just after the disastrous World Cup campaign sent England’s would-be hero’s home shamefully early.

Sterling’s upsurge in value to reach 1.24 euros represents the highest rate of exchange since way back November 2008, and means that the average British family could now be saving up to £700 on summer holiday around the Mediterranean compared to this time last year. Additionally, the struggling euro-zone economies on the mainland mean Britons based on the Continent can take advantage of lower prices on everyday household products, particularly good news for expats and retirees living in Spain, France and Portugal.

Croatia, Bulgaria and the troubled economy of Greece all are looming as bargain holiday destinations, while Eastern European countries will also offer excellent value for money. Travel specialist Thomas Cook claims that related travel expenses such as ground transport, drinks, meals, cigarettes, newspapers and snacks will all be markedly cheaper than a year ago, while online booking specialist lastminute.com has reported a massive rush for holiday bookings following the World Cup early exit.

The study has shown that low levels of alcohol protect against heart disease but also found that high level of consumption still reduced the risk of developing the condition.

However experts cautioned that the protective effects against heart disease did not rise given the more people drank, but the risk of cancer, accidents, mental health problems and liver cirrhosis do increase with higher consumption.

The study, published in the journal Heart, was undertaken in Spain, one of the world’s biggest producers of wine, but with one of the lowest rates of death from heart disease in the world.

The results showed that the protective effect did not increase significantly with the more people drank and those with the highest consumption, 11 units or more, equivalent to a bottle of red wine a day, still had 50 per cent lower chance of heart disease.

The study was conducted by a team of epidemiologists and doctors at Government departments and Universities across Spain, and involved questioning over 41,000 people aged between 29 and 69, who did not have heart disease when they enrolled and who were followed up for an average of ten years.

Director of the centre for Public Health at Liverpool John Moores University, Professor Mark Bellis, said that the message from the study is that the coronary protective effort of alcohol begins and low levels and does not increase the more people drink.

He went on to warn that the study could be interpreted that there were no health harms from drinking large amount of alcohol, as a further 40 different diseases and the risk of accidents increases with high consumption of alcohol, particularly cancers.

Here’s the fun Spanish destination of Costa Dorada combined with a rightly priced hotel package.

Some say a holiday in the eurozone is too expensive, but a recent Post Office survey denies this.

As an example, the price of a family meal (two adults and two children), including a bottle of wine and two soft drinks at a local restaurant comes up to an average of £31.39 in Spain. In comparison, the same meal is £57.85 in Brighton.

Furthermore, the average cost of ten popular holiday items, such as a bottle of lager, sun cream or a cup of tea was 38 per cent cheaper in Spain than in Brighton.

The best deal at the moment: Salou’s Aparthotel Golden Avenida Suites are handily placed close to the Costa Dorada’s top attraction, the PortAventura theme park. Avenida Suites offers a Kidzone club, playgrounds with fun slides, a drop-in den, and a splashpool.

Seven nights of self-catering at the Avenida Park starts at £759 per family of four. Departing Gatwick on September 29. This price includes return flights, transfers, accommodation, and fuel supplements.

Call Thompson at 0871 231 3234 or visit www.thomson. co.uk

We would like to thank www.dailymail.co.uk for information used in this article.

The three courses at La Manga are referred to has the North, West and South courses.

Winding its way among palm trees, storm gullies and lakes, the North Course gives the golfer a stiff but enjoyable test on every hole.

The West, with a similar length, is even more impressive with its tight narrow fairways, blind shots and numerous fierce doglegs. This course follows the natural, undulating landscape and is set between the pine woodlands.

The South Course also must be seen to be believed.

The brainchild of Robert Putman, who designed it in 1971 and subsequently remodelled by Arnold Palmer in 1992, the course was entirely refurbished five years ago.

La Manga Club also offers other activities. Visitors can enjoy the 28 tennis courts, two cricket pitches and the eight full size football pitches. Or use the Spa, the beach or one of the pools in order to relax those tired muscles.

The five-star Principe Felipe hotel offers 192 rooms and suites; each designed and equipped to guaranty utmost comfort, including satellite TV with on-demand movies, individually controlled air conditioning, marble bathrooms and French windows.

For more information visit: www.lamangaclub.com

We would like to thank www.dailymail.co.uk for information used in this article.