'I will put it back': the landowner determined to reinstate Isles of Scilly helicopter service

One of the biggest landowners on Isles of Scilly has told ITV News West Country that the islands economy is continuing to suffer because of the lack of a direct helicopter service with the mainland.

A helicopter service to the islands had operated for 48 years until it was ended in October 2012.

Robert Dorian-Smith is now putting up £2 million pounds of his own money to bring back the service to St Mary's and Tresco.

He says a reliable transport service is vital for any economy to function, and that public support for the plans have been extraordinary.

It's hoped the £2 million private investment will boost the tourism industries of both West Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly with the project set to be completed in early 2018.

WATCH AGAIN from 2012

• Final hours before last helicopter flight

• 50 years of helicopter service between Penzance and Scilly Isles

• Prime Minister to meet Scilly residents over transport links