Boost for Isles of Scilly tourism

There was some welcome news for the Isles of Scilly today - as a multi-million pound scheme to improve the runway at Land's End and upgrade facilities at St Mary's airports was finally given the go-ahead. It's hoped the improvements will help the islands tackle a worrying decline in tourism - which some travel experts blame on high prices.

Mr.Calder said it was too costly to get to islands,particularly by air. Last year it was assumed 108,000 people would fly to St.Mary's but the actual figure was 90,000, 17% below the estimate. And fares have gone up this year.

The Isles of Scilly Steamship Company runs both the sea ferry and air routes to the islands.

Mr.Calder also says the islands need to do more to attract visitors during off peak months. Hoteliers on the islands say major changes are being made.

The challenge for the islands is to convince doubters that it's moving with the times in an ever demanding industry.

You can watch Steve Hardy's report on this below: