Manston airport is poised for a bumper summer season with a record number of flights to the sun.

Charter services are bound for Madeira, Italy, Portugal, Lake Garda, Croatia and Naples. The first summer flight took off to Lake Garda yesterday.

There will also be Saturday flights to Jersey between May 14 and September 17. Operators using the airport include Newmarket Holidays, Discover Jersey and Atlantic Holidays.

Airport chief executive officer Charles Buchanan said: "This is the largest number of sunshine destinations we have ever offered local holidaymakers. From charming Croatia to relaxing Jersey, people in Kent now have a great choice of holidays at the lowest prices - all accessible from Kent's own airport."

Flybe continues to operate daily flights to Edinburgh and will launch its Belfast service - replacing the under-used Manchester flight - on May 26.