Truro and Falmouth MP Sarah Newton has this week been lobbying ministers at the Department for Transport to make the case for Newquay Airport to become the UK’s first ‘space port’.

Earlier this year the Government announced plans to invest in a space port to establish the UK as a leader in the rapidly-expanding space market.

The space port, which could be up and running by 2018, would act as a hub for further investment and technological innovation.

The UK space sector already contributes £11.3 billion to the economy each year, supporting nearly 35,000 jobs Newquay Airport is one of eight possible locations being considered by ministers.

Mrs Newton said: ‘‘As a member of the House of Commons Science and Technology Select Committee I am excited by the prospect of a UK space port and am even more excited that it could be located within Cornwall.

"The well paid jobs generated by the space port would be beneficial for Cornwall and I will continue to make the case for Cornwall, as befits a historic crucible of innovation, to play host to Britain’s launchpad to space.

‘Of course Newquay airport is also vital part of Cornwall’s transport infrastructure and in my discussions with ministers I have continued to argue for the retention of the Newquay-Gatwick link that is so essential.

"The Public Service Obligation agreed by the Government earlier this year is a welcome step towards guaranteeing the future of flights between London and Cornwall.’’