SIXTEEN business men and women from Plymouth's Chamber of Commerce and Industry flew to Grenoble in France, for three days skiing, thanks to Air Southwest.

Among those who attended were Graham De Val, managing director of Ocean Group BMW, and Francis Drake, former senior partner of PricewaterhouseCooper's Plymouth office.

The party also included business people from the civil engineering, construction, legal and property sectors.

Air Southwest were keen to show Chamber members how easy it is to fly from Plymouth to the ski resort for a short trip.

Guy Walker, senior partner at Nash & Co Solicitors, and a deputy vice-chairman at the Chamber, said: "The ski holiday was an opportunity to relax after what has been a stressful year for many business in the Plymouth area due to the recession.

"It was also an excellent opportunity for our members to network and to consider new business opportunities for 2010.

"The Chamber has always supported Air Southwest and Plymouth City Airport.

"The Air Southwest services are critically important for the connectivity of Plymouth with the rest of the country.

"When economic conditions permit, the Chamber looks forward to significant developments at Plymouth City Airport and the opening up of new routes by Air Southwest."

Air Southwest will fly to Grenoble from Newquay and Plymouth airports until the end of this month.