One year on from the announcement of its closure Manston Airport supporters braved the cold as they rallied outside the terminal yesterday.

The crowd of 200 cheered speakers, waved flags and banners and blew whistles to mark a year since the campaign began.

Dubbed the MonuManstonal march, the Kensei Taiko drummers and musician Paul Messenger performed before speeches from transport minister John Hayes and other supporters of the airport.

Manston Airport Independent Party candidate for South Thanet Ruth Bailey said: “The evening was all very positive, we heard from many different candidates and they were all supportive of our cause.”

Chairman of Save Manston Airport Beau Webber said: “John Hayes announced that consultancy firm PwC will examine the CPO process, the efforts by Thanet District Council and whether RiverOak are viable.

“We have had a number of speeches and all were well received.”

Tony Freudmann also read a letter on behalf of RiverOak outlining their intention to “take-off” at Manston again.