The Government's aviation minister set the spirits soaring of those who have invested in Gloucestershire Airport with a ringing endorsement.

Liz Sugg was greeted by airport managing director Mark Ryan who treated her to an access all areas tour of the Staverton base.

The tour included a look at the new terminal redevelopment, runways, taxiways and control tower as well as a visit to a brand-new hangar development - all of which has been supported by local enterprise partnership GFirst LEP.

Ms Sugg said: "The upgraded facilities here at Gloucestershire Airport will ensure that leisure pilots and business passengers continue to have an excellent flying experience.

"General Aviation contributes £3 billion and supports more than 38,000 jobs which is why we are working closely with the industry to keep this sector flourishing.

"Smaller airports play an important role in the industry - providing flying schools, specialist training, air displays and opportunities for private flying."

A spokesman for Gloucestershire Airport said: "During the visit, the minister viewed our exciting development plans and how our prominent position in the market place has been a catalyst for a growing cluster of leading aerospace businesses and other high-tech industries.

"The Minister concluded her visit by meeting Electroflight who, with the support of Rolls-Royce, are leading the way for the future of electric flight and Fly2Help a leading aviation charity dedicated to raising the spirits of people, young and old, living in difficult personal situations and inspiring young people as they consider their future careers in aviation."

Gloucestershire Airport lays claim to being the busiest general aviation airport in the country with an eclectic mix of aircraft from state-of-the-art business jets to 1940's bi planes