FIVE AND A CAR GO TO FRANCE FOR pounds 10 WITH THE INDEPENDENT

P&O European Ferries are offering readers of the Independent bargain fares on pre-Christmas day trips to France. From today until December 23 you can take your car and up to FIVE occupants from Dover to Calais for just pounds 10 return.

It's an excellent opportunity to sail across to France at a bargain price and make considerable savings on duty and tax free gifts, beer, wine, spirits, tobacco goods and food - in time for Christmas. P & O's superferries have excellent onboard shops, with brand-name goods at very competitive prices. And, of course, the famous French hypermarkets are renowned for their prices and enormous choice.

And while you're in France, you can collect a bottle of wine absolutely FREE. Call into either of The Wine And Beer Company's two stores in Calais and use the coupon printed here to get a FREE bottle of your choice from a list of twelve red, white or sparkling party wines which normally sell in the UK for pounds 2.49 to pounds 2.99. The Calais stores are open seven days a week from 7am to 10pm and are conveniently situated close to the ferry terminal. The Wine and Beer Company also stock a great range of wine and beer from all over the world and you can get a list in advance by calling 0181 875 1900.

Below are our special offers from Dover to Calais.

Sunday to Friday sailings: Departing from Dover before 07.30. pounds 10 return for a car and up to five passengers. Additional passengers up to a maximum total of nine in the vehicle - pounds 1 each.

Departing from Dover after 07.30. pounds 15 return for a car and up to five passengers. Additional passengers up to a maximum total of nine in the vehicle - pounds 1 each.

Saturday sailings: Departing from Dover before 07.30. pounds 20 return for a car and up to five passengers. Additional passengers up to a maximum total of nine in the vehicle - pounds 1 each.

Departing from Dover after 07.30. pounds 25 return for a car and up to five passengers. Additional passengers up to a maximum total of nine in the vehicle - pounds 1 each.

Trailers (up to 3 metres in length) - pounds 15 return on any sailing. All sailings are subject to availability. Space on Friday/Saturday sailings is limited.

How to book: Credit card reservations can be made over the phone to P & O European Ferries. Call: 01304 241100]. You must quote the "Independent Earlyriser Promotion". Telephone reservations must be made by next Saturday, December 9.

Terms and conditions: This offer is NOT applicable to vehicles carrying freight or vehicles designed for commercial use which are higher than 1.83 metres and/or longer than 6 metres. The offer is for a day return and applies to P & O European Ferries Dover-Calais route only. The return sailing from Calais must be commenced before midnight on the day of departure from Dover.