Manston Airport's final day full of drama & despair

Manston Airport has now officially closed. See ITV Meridian's coverage of the airport's final day of operations. We speak exclusively to Conservative MP for North Thanet, Sir Roger Gale.

A last minute bid to save Manston Airport has been rejected. RiverOak made an offer earlier today to buy the Kent airport from owner, Ann Gloag.

Manston's longest serving employee Marta Easton spoke to our reporter Nashreen Issa before heading off to work for the very last day. Also featured is husband Gary who fought to keep the airport open.

Cliff Parisi, who used to play 'Minty' in EastEnders had to make an emergency landing at Manston Airport today. He got there just in time, as the airport is due to shut at 5pm today. He thanked bosses for keeping it open

A last ditch offer by an American investment firm to buy a regional airport has been tabled - hours before it is due to close. Connecticut-based RiverOak Investment Corp has submitted its third offer to buy Manston airport in Kent.

The new undisclosed offer is higher than the original £5 million offer and matches that demanded by the airport's owner, Ann Gloag, a local MP said.

North Thanet Conservative MP Sir Roger Gale said: "I'm allowed to confirm that following discussions in the United States a further offer was made at 1.30pm UK time by the RiverOak Investment Corporation of America, offering to meet the purchase price requested by Ann Gloag..."

A third bid has been made to buy Manston Airport in Kent, hours before its impending closure. ITV Meridian understands that this time Riveroak has matched Ann Gloag's asking price.