Airshow hopes for Durham Tees Valley Airport

The airshow would be held in June

Plans to hold an airshow at Durham Tees Valley Airport, the first in more than 20 years, have been revealed.

The announcement was made at the launch of a support group aimed at supporting and promoting the facility.

The Friends of Durham Tees Valley Airport (FODTVA) is made up of local volunteers whose duties include attending events and advising users.

It is already involved in drawing up plans for the airshow, due to be held next June.

Chairman Colin Granton described FODTVA as "a chance to demonstrate the pride which local people feel in their airport, and make a practical contribution to helping it move forward".

He said: "There are a number of regional airports which have local support groups and we have worked closely with the airport manager Shaun Woods in developing our plans.

"We believe that having additional 'helping hands' can make a contribution in many different ways."

Referring to the proposed airshow, he added: "It's early days but we are confident that we can put together an entertaining event.

"This could include flying displays and aerobatics, discounted trail flights with the resident flying schools and involvement from organisations including the Great North Air Ambulance and the Police Air Unit."