SHEPWAY'S top cop has said he would welcome the jobs the expansion of Lydd Airport would bring to Shepway.

Chief Superintendent Chris Hogben, area commander for the south east, was shown around the Marsh site by managing director Cliff Spink.

Speaking after the trip Mr Hogben said: "Having been shown around the airfield, I'm very impressed at both the potential of the location and the ambition of the management.

"Projects such as the development of Lydd airport are surely an important part of bringing investment and thus work and other social benefits to this part of the county.

"I look forward to seeing this initiative prosper in times to come."

Lydd Airport has submitted two applications to Shepway District Council. The first is for a 444 metre runway extension and the second is for a new terminal building capable of handling up to 500,000 passengers a year.

Damian Collins, the Conservative prospective parliamentary candidate for Folkestone and Hythe, also visited the airport.

He met Mr Spink and was given an updated briefing on the multi-million-pound development plans.