LEEDS Bradford Airport has defended its security measures after a BBC investigation uncovered alleged flaws.

Aviation security experts expressed concern after a bottle of water and a toolkit were smuggled through security at the airport in a BBC investigation.

But the airport is stressing it exceeds all the requirements for security and that the safety of the public remains its highest priority.

The alleged breach came to light when the items were hidden under the seat of a wheelchair for the Inside Out Yorkshire undercover report.

Wheelchair user Josh Gardner, 19, took the items onto the plane and secretly filmed footage. He said he was worried a terrorist could hide a weapon.

He took a return flight from Leeds Bradford Airport to Malaga and said he was surprised how easy it was to take the items on the plane. He told the BBC he felt the security teams at both airports did not examine his wheelchair thoroughly enough, and said he had encountered the same situation at other airports across Europe.

Aviation security expert, Norman Shanks, said: "My reaction is the staff were not doing their job as they’ve been trained."

But the the airport said it met regulatory requirements and the Civil Aviation Authority had taken no action in respect of the matter.

A Leeds Bradford Airport spokesman said Mr Gardner’s wheelchair was swabbed for dangerous liquids and found to be negative.

"This is an additional measure implemented by Leeds Bradford Airport that is not required by UK national policy."

The presence of tools, as part of a wheelchair kit, is permitted under the regulations and "posed no threat to the travelling public," he said.

The spokesman added: "Both Leeds Bradford Airport and the Civil Aviation Authority have carried out thorough investigations into the alleged breaches. We can confirm all regulatory requirements in relation to the security processing of passengers with disabilities and reduced mobility have been met. The safety of the travelling public remains our highest priority."

Inside Out was broadcast on Monday, and is available on iPlayer for 30 days.

lWhat do you think? We welcome letters on this or any other subject. E-mail richard.parker@nqyne.co.uk or write to the Content Editor, Gazette and Observer, 38 High Street, Skipton BD23 1JU. Please include your full name, address and daytime telephone number.