Families and elves join big festive getaway

FRANTIC Friday kicked-off the busiest weekend of the year for travel as millions started the great getaway for the festive period.

- Helen Barnett

An estimated 23.7 million drivers were planning to travel, according to the AA, the highest since records began in 2010.

Major railway stations were also crowded as passengers, included some dressed as elves, set off before engineering works begin today.

A record number of travellers have also been predicted at Heathrow Airport, beating its previous high of 6.7 million in 2023.