The Council for the Protection of Rural England has joined the airport expansion debate.

It has rushed out a study analysing the damage and impact of proposals outlined in the Government's consultation documents made public last week.

The CPRE's findings are that, when all the plans are put together, it amounts to a direct assault on the countryside.

Andrew Critchell, the group's leading aviation campaigner, said: "Existing towns, villages and huge swathes of the countryside are under threat.

"This consultation document represents a direct assault on the countryside."

The CPRE study says the Government papers spell ruin for 44 top wildlife sites, seven areas of outstanding natural beauty, 28 sqkm of green-belt land and 319 listed buildings Mr Critchell added: "These areas will be either concreted or people and wildlife will have runways so close to them that they will suffer a constant barrage of noise and pollution."

The proposals for Gatwick, he said, would blight local communities and destroy 530 hectares of green-belt land.

There are three options for Gatwick in the consultation.

A new runway to the south of the existing strip, a new single runway spaced wider to the south and two new runways - one to the north of the airport and one to the south.

The CPRE is urging residents to write to their MPs and express their views.