Supporters of plans to expand Lydd airport have said they are saddened by the departure of the managing director.

Zaher Deir resigned due to differences with the shareholders and a member of the board of directors.

This week Michael Walsh, a spokesman of the Friends of Lydd Airport Group, said: "Zac, as he is known, is a man of patience, integrity and dignity. He is held in the highest regard by all at FLAG and particularly by staff at the airport. There were lots of tears shed at this shocking news."

The group has vowed to continue to support plans for expansion which are with Shepway District Council. They include a new terminal building capable of handling up to 500,000 passengers a year and for a 294 metre runway extension.

Mr Walsh said: "Zac leaves with this pledge from FLAG: the battle to redevelop the most valuable asset in Shepway Council's possession will go on. The fact that this asset is not being exploited is a shameful indictment on Shepway District Council and its councillors of not immediately seizing the opportunity to create hundreds of jobs in one of the most deprived regions in the UK."