AIRPORTS can be challenging and confusing environments.

But more than 40 local families with a family member who has a hidden disability - and their carers - attended Gatwick on Sunday for an event designed to make airports feel like ‘a less scary place’.

Held in the North Terminal, Gatwick’s Accessibility Day helped to familiarise people with a hidden disability – and their families and carers - with the sights and sounds of an airport so they have a practical overview of airport processes before they travel.

To simulate the airport environment Sunday’s event included:

• Staff from airlines - Virgin Atlantic and TUI - taking families through the check in process

• Gatwick’s Special Assistance Services team, Wilson James, providing buggy rides

• Gatwick staff taking families through the security process in a fun and relaxed way

• Border Force officials introducing some of their search dogs

• Police officers and a fire engine were also on hand to replicate the entire airport experience.

Currently around 19 per cent of the UK population have a disability and 11 per cent a hidden disability.

As much as seven per cent of the UK population is thought to avoid air travel because of a disability.

Gatwick is aiming to be the most accessible airport in the UK and is currently engaging with a broad range of disability groups to help ensure that the airport makes its services accessible for everyone.

Nikki Barton, Head of Terminals, said: “Our Accessibility Days have proved very popular and I thank all those who gave up their Sunday to make it happen.”