CHILDREN have composed a song commemorating the brave actions of a once-forgotten Second World War hero.

Youngsters at Middleton St George School, near Darlington, wrote the piece about Pilot Officer Andrew Mynarski with the help of teacher and composer Barry Hopwood.

The pupils will perform the tune at the planned unveiling of a bronze statue of Plt Off Mynarski at Durham Tees Valley Airport later this year.

The Northern Echo has been campaigning to raise the £40,000 needed for the memorial with its Forgotten Hero appeal.

Plt Off Mynarski, 27, was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross for trying to save his friend, Pat Brophy, on their blazing Lancaster bomber. It flew out of the Royal Canadian Air Force base at Middleton St George, which is now the airport.

Deputy headteacher Catherine Pollard said: "Together, we did the chorus and worked out the rhythm. It's mainly the children's work.

"They know the story of Andy Mynarski, but I was amazed at the detail they remembered."

The school choir will also perform at two Sunday afternoon concerts in aid of the appeal on March 13 and April 10 at the Dolphin Centre, in Darlington. Tickets for the concerts are £10, available from The Northern Echo office, in Priestgate, Darlington; from the Dolphin Centre, in the Market Place; or on (01325) 388410.

To donate to the appeal, send a cheque, payable to The Northern Echo's Forgotten Hero Appeal, to: The Forgotten Hero Appeal, Newsdesk, The Northern Echo, Priestgate, Darlington, DL1 1NF.