Brits desperate to escape the rainy weather have spent more than £10 billion (€12.12 billion) on holidays already this year, a new study has revealed.

Research has tracked the spending habits of people desperate to escape the dark and cold winter months. The survey of 2,000 people found that more than one in four people will have already booked their summer break for the year.

It is thought that the average Brit splashes out £1,204 (€1,459) on a holiday, meaning as a nation they spend over £40 billion (€48.49 billlion) on getting away.

Britain has long been the biggest source of incoming tourists for Malta. Researchers from luxury staycation specialists www.ruralretreats.co.uk, who commissioned the survey, pinpointed the time and date most Brits get fed up with the January blues.

They found that two-thirds reported feeling down and having nothing to look forward to at this time of year.

Over a quarter of people surveyed revealed that they were persuaded to book a holiday in January after seeing a particularly good deal

Fifty-two per cent of those questioned also admitted to booking a holiday in January because they felt the need to get away.

Over a quarter of people surveyed (28 per cent) revealed that they were persuaded to book a holiday in January after seeing a particularly good deal.