Jailed British Tory peer Jeffrey Archer is planning a holiday in Bermuda after being told that he could be freed as early as next July.

The controversial author and Conservative politician, who was jailed two years' ago for lying to a jury and perverting the course of justice, is hoping to relax on some of the Island's beautiful beaches to reacquaint himself with the finer things in life and catch some rays.

British tabloid newspaper The People reported at the weekend how Archer's long-suffering wife, Mary, is booking the vacation in Bermuda after learning that her husband had received his date for parole.

It claimed that when Archer received his Home Office letter, he had reacted "like a teenage girl with a love note" - clapping his hands and clutching it to his chest.

The newspaper stated: "The date makes up for Archer's bitter disappointment over being refused home leave on Christmas Day. Now delighted wife Mary, 58, is booking a summer holiday in Bermuda to help Jeffrey get rid of his prison pallor."

Archer, 62, has been reported in the British Press for repeatedly breaking prison rules.

The millionaire author, the media claims, has been a constant embarrassment to prison officials with his misbehaviour and acts of defiance, including enjoying a party thrown by ex-minister Gillian Shephard when he should have been on a home visit; publishing his memoirs, breaking rules about identifying inmates; and organising dubious property deals with fellow convicts.

The People also claimed that he had dined with jail staff in restaurants.

The newspaper said, as a result, staff at Hollesley Bay jail in Suffolk had found it difficult to hold such a high-profile inmate and had therefore made it clear they wanted Archer released the week after July 19.

Yesterday, Telecommunications and Tourism Minister Renee Webb said she had not heard about Archer's plans to travel west across the Atlantic upon his release, but said, like every other visitor, he would be more than welcome.

She said: "He is a very colourful character, by all accounts. I am sure he will have a nice time in Bermuda.

"But I don't know if he will find any of the action that he's famous for."

Asked whether she thought Archer would get any special treatment on his trip to Bermuda, Ms Webb added: "Jeffrey Archer would be treated as a regular tourist. I don't think anyone would even notice."