Brits abroad with a defiant attitude; TERROR: Tourists determined to enjoy their Majorcan holiday despite blast.

Byline: Rebekah Oruye

THE first Birmingham holidaymakers returning from bombstricken Majorca spoke of the "defiant attitude" of Britons determined to enjoy their getaway despite the terror attacks.

Sundays attacks by the Basque separatist group Eta happened in Palma, spreading panic among tourists including an estimated 30,000 Britons.

The blasts happened ten days after a car bomb killed two police officers and caused authorities to close ports and airports for several hours.

No one was injured on Sunday and the explosions were said to be small, but the region remains on high alert.

Dominic Dunne, aged 22, was staying in a hotel just three kilometres away from where the blasts happened. He and wife Victoria, aged 26, had dined at a restaurant a few doors away from the Italian diner on Saturday evening.

The chef, from Oldbury, arrived back at Birmingham International Airport yesterday afternoon. He said: "We didn't hear the bombs when they went off, the first thing we noticed was a lot of police going up and down the road.

"People were really calm and still eating out on the same day, there seemed to be no fear. We went back to eat on the beachfront later that night.

"If there was no warning before-handthe buildings would not have been evacuated and there would probably have been a lot more panic." Victoria added: "I don't think it will put people off going to Majorca, it still felt safe and British people normally have a defiant attitude in these situations."

Student Hannah Dodd was on the island for a one-week holiday with five college friends. The 17-year-old was staying in a hotel 200 metres from the bomb sites.

She said: "We didn't hear anything about the bombs until our parents texted us to check we were okay. I was anxious at first, but after speaking to a few local people, we were reassured the police had everything under control.

"We did worry the airport would close and we'd be stuck in Palma, luckily everything was back to normal in a few hours."

Friend Hannah Didgeons said tourists had been upbeat through-outhe dramatic events. "Everyone seemed to be in a good mood despite the extra police patrolling around. We still enjoyed our holiday although we are glad to get home safely."

Flights from Birmingham to Palma Airport had continued as normal following the explosions.

Thomson and First Choice, who operate services form Birmingham Airport, confirmed the destination was still attracting holiday bookings from British tourists.

A spokesman said: "In instances such as these, we take our lead from the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office and we can confirm that there are no travel restrictions in place.

" The health and safety of both our customers and staff remains our ultimate priority. Our team in resort are addressing any concerns our customers may have with a view to ensuring that they continue to enjoy their holiday safely and as planned.

"Customers are continuing to holiday there and the island is and continues to be a very popular destination."

CAPTION(S):

Back home: Hannah Dodd and Hannah Digeons and, right, Dominic and Victoria Dunne.