STAFF at Kent's London Manston airport are standing by to help more aid flights reach thousands of Afghan refugees fleeing their country. A mercy flight is due to leave the former Battle of Britain airbase near Ramsgate tonight.

A spokeswoman for London Manston said: “The time is yet to be confirmed but we hope that the flight will leave this evening. The airport is ready to assist with other aid flights if needed.”

Tonight’s planned flight destination is thought to Mashhad in north east Iran, close to the Afghan border. It is the first humanitarian aid shipment from the UK and it has been chartered by the Department for International Development. The cargo includes 40 tonnes of tents capable of sheltering 15 to 20 people each.

A spokesman for the Department of International Development said: "The delay is because of clearance from the Iranian authorities. As soon as we have clearance, the plane will be ready to leave."