SOUTHAMPTON Airport was at the centre of a full alert drama today when a pilot radioed in for assistance.

It happened at about 8 am when the Eastern Airways jet from Leeds was due to land at Eastleigh.

Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service and Hampshire Ambulance Service were called in after the airport control received a message from the pilot.

An airport spokesperson said: "The plane was flying inbound from Leeds and the pilot radioed in for the assistance of the emergency services as a matter of precaution.

"The aircraft landed safely and the emergency services were not needed."

They were 17 passengers and three crew aboard flight T34700. The early morning drama was over within minuutes and there was no disruption to the airport timetable.

An Eastern Airways spokesman, said: "On approach to Southampton, the crew operating a Jetstream 41 aircraft from Leeds Bradford had a cockpit warning light indication.

"As a precautionary measure the pilot radioed ahead for the airport fire service to be put on standby, but stood them down prior to landing as the problem was resolved. The aircraft landed safely at 8.06am.

"An investigation is underway and engineers are inspecting the aircraft.

"We will always err on the side of caution as safety is paramount."