Work beings at Southend Airport

The groundwork for Southend Airport's new passenger terminal's now started.

When it's finished in 2012, Southend will be a fully-fuctioning regional airport.

Earlier this month it was revealed £50m was being invested in improvements to boost business and make the most of opportunities with the London 2012 Olympics.

There will also be the new London Southend Railway station and Control Tower. Roadworks to enable the diversion of Eastwoodbury lane to extend the runway will be begin in late autumn.

Managing Director Alistair Welch said: "Now is an exciting time for the airport, as we are finally beginning to see all the developments we have been planning and working towards happen. It won't be long now until local people will be able to fly to a variety of business and holiday destinations, without making the trek to Stansted, Gatwick, Luton or Heathrow."

The airport's predicting passenger growth to 2 million people per year by 2020.