The new flight between Alderney and Brighton begins on Wednesday

Local airline Rockhopper is launching a new route between Alderney and Brighton on Wednesday.

The Channel Islands company is also seeking permission from the Guernsey States to start a new service between Alderney and Guernsey.

Rockhopper chairman Noel Hayes said the new flights will help people reach Gatwick Airport in south-east England should be a major asset for the island.

'Good news'

"We are now going to have connection points to the South West, South and South East in the UK from the island.

"What is particularly important to Alderney residents is for those going to Gatwick.

"At the moment it's been necessary to go to either Southampton or Bournemouth and it has been quite difficult to get across to Gatwick from there.

"If we can take them into Brighton it is five minutes to the train station and then two trains an hour direct to Gatwick station, so for people looking to go on from Alderney it is very good news."