Gatwick Airport is gearing up for a bumper Christmas with more than half a million passengers travelling during the holiday period.

Top destinations are Orlando, Tenerife, Dublin, Malaga and Amsterdam.

The two busiest days will be December 23 and 30, with 74,000 passengers expected on both days.

People are being advised to leave Christmas presents unwrapped for security checks and not to pack crackers in hand luggage.

They should check with their airline if crackers will be allowed in hold luggage.

An airport spokesman said passengers should cut down on the number of electronic items carried and be prepared for them to be checked.

He said: "The safety and security of passengers does remain the airport's highest priority and, in line with the regulations laid down, no sharp objects are allowed to be carried inside hand luggage."

Banned items include toy guns, catapults, cutlery, knives, tools, darts, scissors, hypodermic needles, unless required for medical reasons, knitting needles, sporting bats and snooker and pool cues.

There will be no trains running to and from the airport on Christmas Day and Boxing Day because of engineering works.

A coach service will operate between Gatwick and Victoria.

A limited Flightlink Express coach service will operate on Christmas Day to other parts of the country and there will be Speedlink services to Heathrow between 5.30am and 7.30pm.