Teesside Airport road named after war hero Andrew Mynarski

Andrew Mynarski was an air gunner who flew from Teesside Airport during its time as a military base.

He was the only Canadian air gunner to receive a Victoria Cross, which he earned for his bravery trying to rescue a trapped crewmate from their Lancaster bomber when they went down over France in 1944.

Mynarski won the award following his death aged just 27 in the tragedy.

A statue already stands at the airport in his memory but he is being further recognised with the naming of a new road.

The newly built mile-long stretch to Business Park South from the A67 will now be knows as Mynarski Way.

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen unveiled the new road signs with Geoff Hill, chairman of Middleton St George Memorial Association.

Lord Houchen said: "While we continue to move forward as an airport, it is essential that we remember what has gone before during its time as a Bomber Base and the huge sacrifices made by those who fought to defend our freedoms.

"We want to ensure the incredible bravery of Andrew Mynarski and his tremendous contribution are never forgotten. This is an important way in which we can permanently mark his heroism."

Mr Hill welcomed the naming of the new road and said it further added to remembrance efforts.

Mr Hill said: "It is a real tribute and an honour. It is a major part of the airport’s history and important to remember the lads and lasses who worked and served here – and who lost their lives here."

A sponsored walk organised by the Friends of Teesside International Airport from the airport’s Mynarski Statue is also to take place in May – with those taking part walking almost 10 miles to the McMullen Memorial, in Darlington, and back to the airport.

Money raised will be used to fund two memorial pavestones on the Ribbon of Remembrance at the International Bomber Command Centre, in Lincoln, with funds also set to go to the Teesside Airport Foundation.