A sit-down protest was held in Willenhall Woods

The airport wants to start operating cheap flights to 11 European destinations next month and has to reduce the height of hundreds of trees as part of the plan.

A number of residents held a sit-down protest in Willenhall Woods on Tuesday in an attempt to stop what they see as the demolition of ancient woodland.

One resident, who did not want to be named, said they were trying to preserve the woodland for future generations.

Pruning exercise

Coventry Airport brought in 10 security men to guard the wood and to allow a tree surgeon to carry out the work, which has been ordered by the Civil Aviation Authority.

The airport has promised to replant any trees that are destroyed in the pruning exercise.

Holiday company Thomson announced in December the introduction of a new low-fares airline, Thomsonfly.com, based at Coventry Airport.

The company claim more than 200 jobs will be created at Coventry Airport in the first year, with the surrounding regions also expected to benefit as increased numbers of passengers boost local businesses.