Southend Airport's self-refuelling system has increased fuel sales by 20 per cent in recent months. The system, installed two years ago, was a joint project between the airport owners and Air BP and is said to be proving immensely popular with both private users and flying clubs, particularly the use of the airport's own fuel credit card.

Said a spokesman: "Although users were initially shy of using the system, the benefits became evident after a very short period but when the price of Avgas at the pump was lowered, it encouraged sales even further and curbed the traditional late autumn decline in sales."

Airport director Roger Campbell added: "We are delighted to see that the time and investment in this system is at last paying dividends and that the all-round product of the airport is enhanced as a result.

"Wear and tear on the vehicles is also reduced, making further savings allowing us to reinvest in areas like new handling equipment and crew vehicles. This is a bonus for our new handling customers, so everybody wins as a result."Details can be found at www.southendairport.net.