An airport chief has pledged that local businesses will be at the front of the queue when contracts are awarded for a £25 million development.

Lydd was recently given planning permission to extend the runway and create a new terminal building.

Dozens of business and local representatives attended a meeting to celebrate the decision.

Executive manager Hani Mutlaq thanked guests for their support since the airport’s planning applications to Shepway council in December 2006.

He explained how the company planned to develop the airport over the next few years, saying that Kent businesses would be "at the front of the queue.".

Work on the runway extension was likely to start early next year once it had met a number of conditions.

Meanwhile, the airport has planning consent for a four-star hotel on the neighbouring Lydd Golf Club which, like the airport, is owned by Lydd Holdings.

“We are looking forward to developing the airport, the hotel and the golf course together, they complement each other perfectly,” said Mr Mutlaq.

“This will support the economic regeneration of Romney Marsh and create a range of excellent employment prospects for local people.”

He added the hope that a rail service would one day link the airport to Ashford International Station once passenger numbers were large enough to justify the investment.