Investment has been pledged by the coalition to protect the air link between Newquay and London Gatwick.

Some £2.5 million is being provided by the government, in addition to £300,000 from Cornwall Council, in a four-year deal to maintain the link, which contributes millions of pounds to the Cornwall and south-west economies.

This marks the second public service obligation, following on from a two-year deal for the Dundee-London Stansted air link, which was announced in June 2014.

UK aviation minister Robert Goodwill said: "Fast, frequent flights to the south west will unlock access to stunning landscapes and skilled businesses, benefiting the region and the UK as a whole."

Announced by the government in June 2013, the Regional Air Connectivity Fund is being used to maintain important regional air links. The size of the fund was doubled to £20 million per year in the 2014 budget.