Passengers flying out of Newquay Airport are to be charged a £5 fee from the autumn to secure the future of Cornwall'ss air links.

Cornwall county council is introducing the fee to cushion the financial impact when RAF St Mawgan, which shares a runway with the civilian airport, is mothballed in 2007.

From October 29, passengers over the age of 16 will have to pay the £5 airport development fee, although car park charges will be cut for vehicles staying three or more days.