CHAMPAGNE in hand, Rachel Brown from Warrington celebrated being Manchester Airport’s 21 millionth passenger in style when she was surprised with a number of gifts and rewards on Tuesday.

As well as an upgrade to business class when she arrived to board her flight to Asia, Dr Brown was given 21,000 bonus KrisFlyer miles and Escape Lounge access within an exclusively sectioned off area.

She said: “I am absolutely delighted to be Manchester Airport’s 21 millionth passenger and what an incredible start to my trip with Singapore Airlines.”

Since May 27, 2013, 21m passengers have used the airport, which is hailed as the global gateway to the north of England, by using a range of international destinations that include Singapore, Las Vegas, and Washington DC.