Flypast is a high point for airport VE Day 80 event

TEESSIDE International Airport held a special 80th VE Day celebration to commemorate its heritage as a Second World War base.

- By ABIGAIL NICHOLSON

The airport - formerly RAF Middleton St George - hosted military veterans for a special event which included a flypast from Draken Europe, the specialist aviation firm now based at the airport.

The airport also opened its free-to-view historical exhibits, which will be on show for a week from Thursday, May 8.

The exhibition, curated by aviation historian Geoff Hill, features genuine wartime artefacts including a Lancaster bomber gun turret; original RAF uniforms; and a brass casting made from the wreckage of a downed Lancaster bomber.

There will also be information boards and artefacts telling the stories of the brave airmen who served at the base and a Victoria Cross display honouring Andrew Mynarski one of the most celebrated heroes to serve from the site.

The exhibition will be on display throughout the airport terminal for passengers and the public to explore, bringing the history of RAF Middleton St George to life.