Airport's £2.8m expansion opened

The minister said the airport plays an important role in the economy

The first stage of a £2.8m expansion of the arrivals terminal at Cornwall's airport has been officially opened..

The project, which will cater for expected growth at Newquay Airport, was opened on Wednesday by Transport Minister Karen Buck.

Work on the terminal site is expected to be completed by April.

The project includes the construction of a single-storey extension to the existing building to improve facilities at the airport.

The airport's capacity will also be increased from 300,000 passengers a year to 400,000.

The scheme has been jointly funded by the Department for Transport, Objective One and Cornwall County Council.

"Newquay Airport plays an important role in Cornwall's economic regeneration, both in terms of tourism and business development, and it is encouraging to see money from Europe, central and local government being used to help secure its longer term future", the minister said.

New drop-off areas for buses, coaches, taxis and cars have also been created, along with an additional 90 car parking spaces and new taxi rank.