Newquay is one of Britain's most popular destinations

The money will help the council convert Newquay Airport to wholly civilian use when the Ministry of Defence pulls out next year.

Until now the airport has shared facilities with RAF St Mawgan.

The Objective One and Regional Development Agency cash is about 50% of the �40m needed to convert the airport.

Cllr Andrew Mitchell from Cornwall County Council said it was an important step.

"If we hadn't had the approval to have money from regional, national and European governments, we would not have been able to proceed," he said.

Newquay is one of Britain's most popular tourist destinations and the council is aiming to double the number of passengers at the airport and make it profitable. It currently costs the council about �1m a year in running costs.