THEY may be cursed by fellow motorists but caravans, motorhomes and campers are coughing up an estimated £2billion a year to the economy, research claims.

And a trendy new breed of holidaymaker is helping shake off the sandal and beard brigade image of camping.

The average camper and caravanner spends almost £29 a day when they go away, excluding campsite fees, said the study by retailer Halfords.

And with much of this going on pubs, restaurants, shops and other local businesses, it means most of it is helping to support thousands of jobs in rural areas.

Around 17 million camping and caravanning holidays a year are taken in Britain.

Youngsters are taking to tents for festivals like Glastonbury and other trips and this summer is expected to see a boom in motorhome holidays both at home and abroad.