A second runway at Gatwick would create 20,000 extra jobs in Croydon and the surrounding area, Sadiq Khan has claimed.

Labour's London mayoral candidate used a visit to the airport on Friday to reaffirm his support for expanding Gatwick, rather than building a third runway at Heathrow.

Mr Khan said: "Not only is expansion at Gatwick crucial for our future prosperity as a global city, it will be a major catalyst for job and growth in Croydon and south London. 20,000 jobs would be created in Croydon and the surrounding area - there’s no excuse for not getting on with expansion as soon as possible."

Meanwhile, Croydon Council leader Tony Newman has praised a recent decision to extend the Oyster card network to Gatwick.

He said: "This will strengthen our already excellent transport links - just 15 minutes by train - to Gatwick and really enhance Croydon’s connectivity.

"We believe extending the Oyster card to Gatwick is another step towards expanding Gatwick. We are passionate supporters of a second runway at Gatwick, as it would bring significant economic benefits to Croydon and create more than 30,000 jobs, many of which could go to residents in our borough."