STAFF at Kent's London Manston airport are standing by to assist in a series of aid flights to reach thousands of Afghan refugees fleeing their country. The first flight is due to leave the former Battle of Britain airbase near Ramsgate at 9pm tonight.

A spokeswoman for London Manston said: "The airport is ready to assist with other aid flights if needed.”

The first shipment was delayed last night as British Government officials awaited clearance for the plane to land at Mashhad in Iran, close to the Afghan border.

The plane is loaded with more than 400 tents capable of sheltering 15 to 20 people each.