Campaigners have lost their High Court battle to block the expansion of Stansted Airport.

Campaigners have lost their High Court battle to block the expansion of Stansted Airport.

High Court judge Sir Thayne Forbes dismissed the legal challenge from the Stop Stansted Expansion group and said criticisms of the way the matter had been handled were unjustified and without substance.

The plans will allow 10 million more passengers a year to use the existing runway at Stansted.

Stansted commercial and development director Nick Barton said: 'This is a very good day for the millions of people who need and want to fly to visit their friends and family, go on well-earned holidays or travel on business.

'It's also great news for the thousands of people who work at the airport, and the countless number of businesses that depend on Stansted right across the region, especially given the current economic conditions we are all facing.'