Pro-Heathrow campaigners from west London piled up outside the Houses of Parliament to represent tens of thousands of people in favour of expansion.

Supporters from Back Heathrow, from children to pensioners, travelled from Hounslow to Westminster on Monday (February 2) to hand in their response and say 'YES' to Heathrow expansion.

They displayed 'Proud to Back Heathrow' posters and a giant '80,000' placard to show how many people supported a bigger Heathrow airport and more jobs, before meeting politicians in Parliament.

Rob Gray, Back Heathrow campaign co-ordinator, said: "The silent majority are now speaking out in their thousands, determined to see that growth at Heathrow is delivered by politicians.

"Even leading opponents of a new runway acknowledge that most people in local communities around Heathrow support expansion and this remarkable outpouring of support simply confirms that fact."

To coincide with the end of the Airport Commission's public consultation, which closed on Tuesday (February 3), anti-Heathrow airport expansion group HACAN descended on No 10 Downing Street to hand in a letter to remind the Prime Minister to stick to his promise over Heathrow.

The Back Heathrow campaign, which was launched 18 months ago, has received phenomenal support from people living in west London communities who believe the UK's hub airport should be allowed to grow to bring billions of pounds in economic benefits including 40,000 more jobs to the local area.

Surinder Singh Benipal, owner of the Hounslow Heath Post Office, said: "We should definitely get a new runway at Heathrow as soon as possible because the airport has got to saturation point.

"I live near the flight path so I know about noise but it provides jobs and helps our community flourish.

"It is essential that this airport should survive and expand."

Jas Sanghera, who lives in Southall, added: "I believe that economic sustainability and employment is the bedrock of any community.

"Heathrow is the blood line of our community in west London and without it the consequences would be disastrous.

"Doing nothing is not an option if we are to meet the needs and aspirations of our growing population.

"To ensure Heathrow is viable it has to be allowed to grow in order to generate prosperity amongst our communities."

Gary Dixon, from Hillingdon, said: "I’ve lived near the airport for years. Heathrow expansion would be fantastic, bringing more jobs to the area.

"I understand that noise is an issue for some people but they knew they were about to move near an airport."