The Olympic Games have accelerated the decision to set up a border inspection facility for horses at Manston airport.

Construction has begun on the £250,000 EU Equine Border Inspection Post which is due to open in April.

It will have stabling for up to 10 horses at any one time, and provide the latest equipment for vets to inspect horses and other animals entering the EU. Polo ponies from South America might also come through the centre.

The airport believes that the short distances involved at Manston, as well as the lack of congestion in the air and on the ground, will ease stress on animals that have already had a long flight.

Manston hopes to play a key role in transporting horses for equestrian events at the London Olympics next year, as well as processing racehorses from the Middle East.

Charles Buchanan, chief executive of Kent International Airport, said: "We can give exemplary service and are marketing to every Olympic organisation we can think of. "

Allan McQuarrie, group manager for freight development, added: "As well as attracting regular business from charter brokers and dedicated equine transport specialists, we have our eye on the London Olympics and have offered the facility and the airport's services to the Olympic Committee.

"With the equestrian events taking place at Greenwich Village, Manston is ideally located only 58 miles along the M2 and direct into Greenwich."