THE Northern Echo has always had an unflinching belief in the importance of making sure that the courage of those who fought in world wars for our freedom is never forgotten.

Those of us who are too young to have been involved can never truly appreciate the sacrifices made and the horrors which unfolded.

But we can play our part by ensuring that future generations know of the debt that is owed.

The success of this newspaper's "Forgotten Hero" campaign is therefore a source of pride for everyone who has made a contribution.

The statue of Andrew Mynarski will not only be a permanent reminder of one man's sacrifice, but also a testament to the bravery of a generation.

Millions of people - young and old - will stop to read the story of what took place from the site of Durham Tees Valley Airport in 1945, and a price cannot be put on the educational value of that.

Our thanks are due to the readers who made personal contributions, and to the organisations which ensured the target was exceeded: the five local authorities of the Tees Valley; the airport itself; the RAF associations; and, of course, the Heritage Lottery Fund.

We are particularly pleased that the airport's neighbouring primary school at Middleton St George, which was recently devastated in an arson attack, will be aided in its recovery as a result of its involvement in the campaign.

Relationships between England and Canada have been cemented and new friendships forged along the way.

A Forgotten Hero has been remembered - but much more than that has been achieved.