Plans to lengthen the runway at Shoreham, the UK's oldest commercial airport, are to be put before the public.

If the runway is made longer, it will be possible for the airport to become a centre for flights to Continental Europe.

An alternative proposal is to leave the runway as it is but to encourage more general aviation flights.

Both options were being explained this afternoon at a briefing by joint owners Brighton and Hove City Council and Worthing Borough Council.

The present runway, created after there had previously only been a grass strip, is 1,036 metres long.

A longer one of 1,199 metres on a different alignment would permit both commercial and general aviation flights.

There have been several previous attempts to start commercial flights but none has succeeded.

A longer runway would enable more commercial aircraft to use Shoreham and could create up to 1,000 new jobs, enabling the airport to cater for flights to 13 cities - Aberdeen, Amsterdam, Belfast, Brussels, Dublin, Edinburgh, Frankfurt, Glasgow, Jersey, Leeds-Bradford, Manchester, Newcastle and Paris.

Airport chiefs believe retaining the existing runway threatens the future of the airport, its long-term potential eclipsed by other airports in the region.

Introduction of commercial flights would not alter existing general aviation flights.

But they could create significant opposition from people living near the airport in Lancing and Shoreham.

If there is agreement to the idea, a full environmental impact study will be commissioned.

All issues including noise, ecology, environment and transport would have to be resolved before an application was made for planning permission, including the impact on the quality of life of the local community.

Brighton and Hove Labour city councillor Don Turner said: "We are actively seeking the public's views on the proposals. They are key to this process. Their response will affect our decision-making.

"We want to turn Shoreham airport around. Currently, it makes a very small annual profit but carries a large debt burden.

"If we encounter unexpected costs or the financial climate worsens, the airport could face closure."

Coun Brian Oxley, Tory opposition leader on the city council, said any cash shortfall as a result of closure would be borne by council taxpayers.

He said: "Pouring money into a sinking ship would divert valuable funds away from other deserving projects.

"The worst outcome would be losing a key asset in the region. This way no one would benefit. We want the best outcome for the whole region."

Worthing councillor John Lovell said: "Shoreham airport's future is critical. That is why public feedback is so important. They will get the advantage of more jobs closer to home."

Adur District Council does not have a stake in the airport but would decide on any planning application.

Council leader Neil Parkin said: "We want to ensure a sound future for Shoreham airport and to see its role in the local community enhanced where possible.

"We are keen to hear people's views and encourage everyone to visit this exhibition and public meetings to find out more and make their views known."

A public exhibition will be staged at the airport on Friday and Saturday November 28 and 29 between 10am and 5pm and on Sunday November 30 between 10am and 2pm.

Representatives from the city council and Worthing Borough Council will be available to answer questions.

It moves to the Adur Civic Centre in Shoreham, between December 1 and 10 from 10am until 5pm.

A public meeting will be held at the Civic Centre on Tuesday December 9 at 6.30pm and another at Lancing Parish Hall on Tuesday December 16 at 6.30pm.