Insurance at Shoreham Airport has gone up by more than half as a result of the September 11 terrorist attacks on the US.

The airport's insurers said it would have find an extra £7,245 to cover itself against the risk of terrorist activity.

Before the attacks which destroyed the World Trade Centre in New York and damaged the Pentagon, the airport's liability insurance premium was £12,075.

It had to provide an immediate payment of more than £3,000 to cover itself until its policy was due for renewal in April.

The money was provided by Brighton and Hove City Council, one of the airport's partners, as an emergency measure.

The airport's committee will hear tomorrow that premiums for the next financial year could be even higher.

Insurance companies are unlikely to decide a final figure until nearer the renewal date.

A committee report said: "The cost of the additional premium, which is likely to be considerable, must be measured against the risk of the airport being found liable for the consequences of terrorism.

"Clearly the risk is very small and is only likely to occur if weaknesses in security are considered to be a contributory factor.

"However, the financial consequences of not securing additional cover could also be considerable."

Shoreham, Britain's oldest working airport, is on course for a small profit this year.

Treasurer Chris Taylor wants joint owners Worthing Borough Council and Brighton and Hove City Council, to plough the £2,000 back into reserves.