FRENCH airport officials are being entertained in Liverpool to encourage them to link regional airports in the UK to those in France.

The three-day conference will play host to the Secretary of State for Transport Alistair Darling, speaking today on progress in the air industry.

French Connect - the brainchild of the Airport Agency - will hear presentations from low-cost airlines including Easyjet, Jet2.com, Thomson Fly and Flybe.

Representatives from the North West Development Agency, the Mersey Partnership and Liverpool John Lennon Airport will discuss the significant opportunities that the French market offers for business and tourism.

Managing director of the Airport Agency, Karin Butot, said: "This a fantastic opportunity for showcasing this dynamic region as many of the French airports have never been here before.

"The French market offers considerable business and tourism opportunities for the North West, and new air links are the keys to unlock them."

The chief executive of the North West Development Agency, Steven Broomhead, said: "I am delighted to support this important event which will highlight England's North West as a prime UK destination which has a great deal to offer."