Transport Secretary Alistair Darling was hit with a cream cake this morning as he attended the launch of a new aviation group.

Mr Darling was at Heathrow for the launch of Future Heathrow, a body set up by industry and the trade unions to support growth at the airport, in particular a third runway.

Mr Darling made a surprise appearance at the launch, where he was greeted by angry protestors.

One woman made it through the security cordon to shout abuse at Mr Darling and cover him with carrot cake and cream.

John Stewart, chair of HACAN ClearSkies, one of the groups organising the demonstration outside, said, “This was one in the eye for Alistair Darling. It is quite inappropriate that any Secretary of State should so publicly align himself with any pressure group. It really calls into question his impartiality and his judgement.”