Residents and conservationists around Cliffe are celebrating

Medway MP Bob Marshall-Andrews said the news that the Kent site has been ruled out made him feel proud.

The Labour MP said he was "extremely proud" of the campaign by local residents against the proposed airport.

Villagers in nearby Cooling held a party after the announcement to celebrate the end of their fight.

Mr Marshall-Andrews said: "I feel extremely proud to have worked alongside so many of my constituents and to have ensured that the government never underestimated our collective strength and determination.

There have been sad days and we have had a long haul fight Alan Hughes Cooling Parish Council

"I am especially pleased that this campaign has been free from party politics.

"We have all pulled together regardless of our political differences and proved what can be done in these circumstances when everyone is under threat."

Alan Hughes, the chairman of Cooling Parish Council, said: "Our village would have been inhabitable but now there is a feeling of elation and Christmas has really come early for us around the marshes.

"We were convinced the airport was coming to us and there have been sad days and we have had a long haul fight against it but we got there in the end.

"We fought all the way but at the moment my thoughts are with the people in Stansted."

Bob Marshall-Andrews said about 4,500 people contacted him with concerns about the proposal to build a new airport on the marshlands in Cliffe.