Heathrow campaigners train threatened villagers for fight

Joe Ryle, one of the campaigners, said he had been inspired by the fighting spirit of the airport's neighbours and wanted to do his bit to help.

"We know the third runway is likely to be dropped if Labour lose the general election but there is a very real danger this community will continue to be blighted unless the threat of a new runway is lifted for good."

Local resident Linda McCutcheon said: "We welcome the youngsters. They can help us build up our communities again after all we have been though with the threat of the runway hanging over us."

John Stewart, chairman of campaign group HACAN, said: "(Heathrow owner) BAA's policy of buying up houses in the path of a third runway has unsettled a once-stable community. We will all be working together to repair the damage they have done."