AIRPORTS group Wiggins pledged to put its Kent-based cargo operation in the frame to win a share of the spiralling UK passenger market.

The London-based group said it was in talks with low-cost carriers about developing Manston and its other continental regional airports.

Manston's prospects have been lifted by the laying of new aprons and taxi ways to take capacity to around 200,000 tonnes of cargo a year.

Plans are being devised to replace the existing terminal, while talks are underway to create a 55 minutes rail link from London to a new station.