Anti Heathrow expansion campaigners “planted” 2,000 black paper planes in Westminster’s Victoria Gardens this morning in protest of third runway proposals.

Campaigners from organisations including Hacan, Friends of the Earth and residents groups planted the planes at 10am on the day Parliament returns to the House of Commons to highlight the increased number of flights expected should expansion be given the go-ahead.

FROM DECEMBER 2015: Heathrow third runway decision delayed until summer 2016

Chairman of Hacan John Stewart said the number of daily flights could go from 1,350 to 2,000 should the airport be granted a third runway.

Surrey Comet:

Mr Stewart said: “2016 is likely to be the year when the Government makes a decision about a new runway.

“It will be a grim year for Heathrow residents if the Government decides to go for a third runway at Heathrow.

"Our New Year’s message to the Prime Minister is we will fight to the bitter end to stop a third runway happening.”

The campaign director of pro-expansion group Back Heathrow said these protesters were entitled to their views but he believed they only spoke for a minority of people in the communities surrounding the airport.

He said: "Most residents living near the airport back a new runway which offers a golden opportunity for more jobs, trade, travel and greater prosperity. 

"They are supported by the majority of MPs who want to see the UK's largest single site employer go from strength to strength."

Transport secretary Patrick McLoughlin announced just before Christmas that a decision about a new runway would be delayed for at least a further six months.