Call to bring back Heathrow - Durham Tees Valley route

Sedgefield Labour MP Phil Wilson is to meet Jim Fitzpatrick to outline the damage he claims losing the service is doing to the North East's economy. Last month airline BMI revealed it was axing its London flights from the airport amid tough trading conditions. Mr Wilson wants to discuss landing charges with the minister. Mr Wilson said: "The route is vital to the economy of the region. "We need to be in a position to invite businesses into the area because 40% of people using the service were from the business community. "When the third runway at Heathrow is up and running we want to ensure that we have some provision for regional flights and we don't have this problem again."