The Duke of Edinburgh is visiting Gatwick Airport to open the new headquarters of GB Airways.

The historic building, known as The Beehive, was Gatwick's first airport terminal building.

It dates back to 1936 and is one of the oldest airport terminal buildings still standing.

When it opened, the art deco design offered passengers a level of comfort never seen before.

It has taken 12 months and £2 million to restore the Grade II listed building to its former glory.

The owner, BAA Lynton, has agreed a 25-year lease with GB Airways, which has been based near Gatwick for more than a decade.

Airline staff will move into the building in the next two weeks but the royal visit has been scheduled for December 1, when Prince Philip will also present the company with the Queen's Award for International Trade.

The award recognises the growth in the airline's overseas trade in the last three years.

GB Airways managing director John Patterson said: "We are all very excited."