The decision to give the go-ahead to a third runway at Heathrow has been welcomed by one of Kent’s airports.

Kent International Airport at Manston said the new runway would be a vital development for the UK’s economy.

The move was confirmed by Transport Secretary Geoff Hoon on Thursday despite opposition from environmentalists, local residents and many MPs.

A spokesman for Kent International Airport said: "The decision recognises the importance of aviation to the UK economy and will ensure Heathrow's position as a leading world airport is maintained.

"However, we believe that the existing runway here at Kent International Airport has a significant role to play in alleviating the well-documented capacity problems in the south east, especially with the work at Heathrow unlikely to begin before 2015."

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