The pound slumped to fresh lows against the euro today as the two currencies edged closer to parity.

At its low, one pound bought just 1.1102 euros - its latest in a series of record plunges against the single European currency in recent days.

Some holidaymakers travelling to Europe are reportedly already receiving less than one euro for their pound at bureaux de change, where commission is charged.

Sterling has dropped around 13% against the euro in the past two months as the Bank of England has slashed interest rates in its attempt to stave off a deep and prolonged recession.

UK rates have dropped to 2%, below those in the eurozone after a 1.5% cut in November and a 1% cut earlier this month, which has compounded the pound's woes.

The weaker currency could provide a boost to UK exporters but the economic woes of major export markets such as the US and Europe is hitting demand.

It is thought short-selling - where investors sell assets such as shares or currencies in the hope of buying them back later at a lower price and pocketing the difference - is also behind the pound's slide.

The pound has also suffered big recent falls against the dollar but was holding steady at just under 1.50 US dollars today.