Gatwick Airport has furthered its case for a second runway by publishing a series of community pledges that will form part of its expansion plans.

Featuring in a new document entitled Connecting Britain to the Future. Faster, the pledges will ensure local communities benefit directly from the economic boost a second runway would provide to the UK as a whole.

Gatwick chief executive officer Stewart Wingate said: "A second runway would create a £90 billion boost to the UK. We are determined to be a good neighbour and not lose sight of the concerns of those communities close to home."

Some £46.5 million has been pledged by the airport to help local authorities deliver essential community infrastructure, while a £3.75 million fund will be set up to help create 2,500 new apprenticeships for local people if the bid is successful.

There will also be improvements to local transport links, as well as a series of noise reduction measures, including £45 million for Gatwick's unique council tax initiative and £5 million for noise insulation.

A £131 million property support bond will assist those affected by compulsory purchases, while an engagement charter will provide help to affected local landowners and businesses.