PASSENGERS will board the final flight to leave Teesside International Airport today as 40 years of history come to an end.

The new name of Durham Tees Valley Airport will be adopted at a ceremony this afternoon.

The launch will end almost a year of controversy and speculation over the rebranding of the airport.

Many critics had argued in favour of retaining the Teesside name, particularly after its profile was raised by US President George W Bush's arrival on Air Force One last November.

Others pleaded the case for a name to honour one of the region's historical heroes, with Captain James Cook among the favourites.

But Teesside bosses and the major airlines were adamant that a well-known city name was crucial to raising the airport's profile around the world.

The launch of the Durham Tees Valley brand will spearhead a £20m investment in the airport, near Darlington, over the next five years.

Managing director Hugh Lang and regional development agency One NorthEast's regeneration director, John Holmes, will address the media today after Teesside's last flight takes to the skies.

Seventy-five civic and business leaders will take the chartered flight over the region - symbolically leaving Teesside Airport in the morning and returning to Durham Tees Valley in the afternoon.

They will include representatives of One NorthEast, the Tees Valley Partnership, the airlines flying from Teesside and local authorities.

An airport spokesman said: "The Teesside International name has served us well over the years, but in today's highly competitive market place we are confident that the new branding will help position us as a major international gateway."