THE passenger parts of Teesside Airport that have not been publicly seen for several years have been revealed.

Check-in desks for Thomson Airways, the former duty free store and the once-popular nightclub are among the areas that have been hidden away.

Under its former name, Durham Tees Valley Airport - the site has seen areas gradually blocked off over the years as passenger numbers have fallen.

READ MORE: Behind the scenes at Teesside Airport as details of MAJOR refurbishment revealed 

But ahead of a multi-million pound refurbishment, which will involve the reopening of some of these areas as passenger numbers begin to rise once more, The Northern Echo had a sneak peak around.

Take a look below:

The Northern Echo: Picture: SARAH CALDECOTTPicture: SARAH CALDECOTT

The former check-in desks for Thomson Airways, formerly known as Thomsonfly.co.uk, have been kept under lock and key ever since the airline departed for the last time.

Under its new name, TUI is set to return for the 2022 Summer holiday period.

The Northern Echo: Picture: SARAH CALDECOTTPicture: SARAH CALDECOTT

Old signage states the airport's previous name as construction work could be seen in the distance to bring parts of the site back into use.

The Northern Echo: Picture: SARAH CALDECOTTPicture: SARAH CALDECOTT

The former duty free store, which is currently hidden behind a false wall, did not reopen as the airport returned to public ownership 2019.

The Northern Echo: Picture: SARAH CALDECOTTPicture: SARAH CALDECOTT

Inside, shelves remain in place - the area is set to see a major refurbishment and a return to operation as a duty free store.

The Northern Echo: Picture: SARAH CALDECOTTPicture: SARAH CALDECOTT

A familiar sight, the old Durham Tees Valley Airport carpets and seating area has remained in place, just behind the new departure hall.

The Northern Echo: Picture: SARAH CALDECOTTPicture: SARAH CALDECOTT

The area will be turned into the Middleton Lounge and act as a connecting point to the new dedicated Ryanair-branded gate.

The Northern Echo: Picture: SARAH CALDECOTTPicture: SARAH CALDECOTT

The airport has recently seen a number of airlines make a return including Loganair and low-cost carrier Ryanair.

The Northern Echo: Picture: SARAH CALDECOTTPicture: SARAH CALDECOTT

The former nightclub area is not set to see any immediate renovation works, but the Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said there is scope for it to be developed.

The Northern Echo: Picture: SARAH CALDECOTTPicture: SARAH CALDECOTT

Teesside Airport is set to see a major transformation, over three phases, by April 2021.