Britain's small airports are growing faster than the better-known big airports such as Heathrow and Gatwick, according to figures from the Civil Aviation Authority.

The UK's fastest growing airport proved to be Bournemouth International, which handled 265,000 passengers last year, a 63.6% increase on its 1996 passenger numbers.

"We are, of course, delighted to know that we are the UK's star performer," said Bournemouth's Managing Director Doug Wilson.

"Our figures are even more impressive when you realise that the average growth rate for all airports in the UK was just 8%."

London City Airport, which handled 1,161,000 passengers last year, had an increase of 59.8% on its 1996 passenger numbers.

Southend, with just 9,000 passengers last year, and Kent International at Marston with just 3,000, both enjoyed 50% increases over 1996.

Luton Airport attracted more than 3 million passengers last year, a growth of 33% since 1996,

Top 10 growth rates at UK airports in 1997

• Bournemouth
  265,000 passengers
  63.6% growth

• London City
  1,161,000 passengers
  59.9% growth

• Southend 9,000 passengers
  50% growth

• Kent International
  3,000 passengers
  50% growth

• Luton
  3,221,000 passengers
  33.6% growth

• Inverness
  379,000 passengers
  33% growth

• Scatsa in Braer, Shetland
  102,000 passengers
  29.1% growth

• Campbeltown, Strathclyde
  9,000 passengers
  28.6% growth

• Teesside
  57,000 passengers
  25.5% growth

• Dundee
  16,000 passengers
  23% growth

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