More passengers travelling through East Midlands Airport have chosen to use facial recognition gates, border agency officials have said.

The UK Border Agency said an average of 22,143 passengers per month since April this year have used the e-Passport gates at the airport.

That compares to an average of 15,737 passengers per month between April 2010 and March 31, 2011.

The automated border controls were introduced at the airport in 2009.

"Secure and Convenient"

They work by scanning passengers' faces and comparing them to the photographs digitally stored on their passports.

UK Border Agency Midlands assistant director, Alex Lawther, said: "Britain's border security controls are among the toughest in the world.

"By using the latest technology such as e-Passport gates at East Midlands Airport we are providing a secure and convenient self-service alternative to the conventional border to allow passengers with a biometric passport to pass through the border securely."

The airport has flights to a variety of European destinations including Palma, Alicante, Malaga, Faro and Tenerife.