Flybe will be celebrating the take-off of its inaugural flight to Newquay Airport from London Southend today.

The flights will operate three times a week during the summer until September 27.

The airline has even been enticing Londoners to make the trip to the county with a surf simulator machine at Exchange Square adjacent to Liverpool Street train station.

Paul Simmons, Flybe's chief commercial officer, said: “In celebrating this first flight, we decided to bring some Flybe fun to the commuters and travellers using Liverpool Street Station and its environs. The surf simulator looks set to be a big hit and I hope it sparks some enthusiasm for those who see it to consider riding the crest of some real Newquay waves this summer.

“Newquay marks an exciting start to our network from London Southend as it’s an important tourism route that connects the popular southwest coast with the capital. It also offers a quick and convenient alternative to lengthy road or rail journeys, perfectly proving that we are ‘the fastest way from A to Flybe’!”

Flybe flights London Southend - Newquay Airport: Operate on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Flights depart Newquay at 11.05am and arrive London Southend at 12.25am.

Flights depart London Southend at 12:50am and arrive Newquay at 14.10am.