SEVERAL more mercy flights are expected to leave Kent's Manston airport bound for the earthquake disaster area in Iran.

Department for International Development flights carried blankets, tents, and other urgently needed items when the first aircraft left on Monday.

A Bright Aviation Antonov AN12 left with 15 tonnes of supplies at about 6.50pm and an African International DC8 with 35 tonnes left at 8.45pm. Both flights were to Tehran.

Airport Director Alastair Robertson said that London Manston had once again

shown its ability to react quickly to support disaster relief. He said: "We are always pleased to be able to make a contribution to international relief operations of this kind.

"Our team is very aware of the importance of these flights and ensured that tight deadlines were met at short notice."