Protester heads off for fresh tunnels

Protester Matt Benson, who spent 17 nights in a tunnel at the site of Manchester Airport's second runway, yesterday promised to break his own record for staying underground.

Mr Benson, 23, rescued yesterday after a collapse in the tunnel in the Bollin Valley, Cheshire, said he was determined to take part in other tunnel protests.

"Next time it will be longer than 17 days," he said. "With the knowledge we have gained I think we can build tunnels which are unevictable." He said he became depressed down the 50ft-deep Cakehole tunnel at the end of the protest, when he was left alone after his companions gave up.