School holidays brought it ten percent more passengers for Eurostar over the half-term Europe winter break compared to the same period last year.

The high-speed rail Group said online that up to 230,000 travelled between the UK and Europe via Eurostar for the week that also included Valentine’s Day celebrations.

Eurostar commercial director Nick Mercer described February 2012 as one of the company’s busiest months for several years.

“School holidays are always popular, but our service is particularly busy this year,” Mr Mercer said. 

“With the perfect skiing conditions we are enjoying at the moment our direct ski services to the French Alps are virtually sold out next week.”