A couple are spending Millennium Eve partying in Sydney on the cheap, thanks to shrewd forward planning.

Peter Harrison and his wife, Marguerite, from Henley, struck a deal with British Airways in 1983 that has saved them nearly £10,000.

Taking a big gamble, Mr Harrison negotiated two First Class fares to Sydney for the Millennium period at £999 per person. Today, the tickets would cost £5,773 each.

The couple, both 76, jetted off on Tuesday from Heathrow after deciding to pay for their two children and five grandchildren to accompany them. Mr Harrison said: "It is fantastic to see our well-laid plans finally coming to fruition.

"Some people might think it is a little unusual to make an arrangement 16 years in advance but we knew we couldn't miss this party for anything in the world."

His wife added: "It was a bit of a gamble but we were quite sure we would be alive."

The Harrisons approached BA after a great friend, now aged 92 who lives in Sydney, invited them to a Millennium party during their 1983 visit.

They will enjoy Millennium Eve celebrations at a dinner in Darling Harbour hosted by their friend for 150 guests.

Story date: Thursday 30 December

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.