BOLTON millionaire Paul Lever has sold his holiday firm Just Flights to Travelcare -- part of the Co-operative Group.

Now Mr Lever, who founded the firm in 1983, is planning a new venture in California.

Travelcare, the UK's largest independent travel agency, has bought Mr Lever's business for an undisclosed sum.

Just Flights sells flights, package holidays and travel extras via teletext and its website -- www.Justflights.com

The deal follows Travelcare's acquisition earlier this year of independent flights company www.Cheapestflights.co.uk.

Just Flights' 40 employees, based at a call centre in Newport Street, will be unaffected by the sale.

The company, which has annual sales of more than £13 million, will continue to operate as a separate business from Travelcare.

Mr Lever, aged 39, who lives in Lostock, said he was going to California with his wife and young family later in the year.

He added: "This deal is good news for Just Flights, which will now have the backing of a leading force in independent travel retailing -- one which is already well-experienced in direct travel sales."

Amanda Williams, Travelcare's general manager, said Just Flights was a business with solid growth potential.

The firm is a former runner-up in the Investment in People category of the Bolton and Bury Business Awards.

The company achieved the Investors in People national standard in March 2000.