Greenpeace has bought a piece of land, earmarked for the proposed site of the Heathrow third runway, as Ministers near a decision whether to approve the controversial expansion.

Land the size of a football pitch near Sipson Village, was bought by a coalition of the environmental campaign group.

The campaigners - which include actress Emma Thompson, impressionist Alistair McGowan and a Conservative front bench spokeswoman Justine Greening - have vowed not to sell the land to the government or BAA if the airport expansion gets the go-ahead.

The deeds have also been signed by Tory's own 'green' adviser Zac Goldsmith and Greenpeace Director John Sauven, while beneficial owners who have also signed-up include local Labour MP John McDonnell, Liberal Democrat MP Susan Kramer and Royal Society Research Fellow Dr Simon Lewis.

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Mr Sauven said in a statement: "As the new owners of the land where the government wants to build the runway, we'll resist all attempts at compulsory purchase and represent millions of people from across the world at any planning inquiry."

Greenpeace also said it was inviting members of the public to become beneficial owners, while protests at the airport's current site are taking place regularly.

Alistair Mcgowan, who lives close to Heathrow said: "BAA were so confident of getting the Government's go-ahead, but we have cunningly bought the land they need to build their runway.

"Now that we own it, we'll never sell it to them and we're confident that we'll be joined by people from all over the world who will help us defend it."

A Government decision on the proposed £9 billion airport expansion is due this week.

(JM/BMcC)