THE date has been set for Teesside Airport to end 40 years of history by formally changing its name, The Northern Echo can reveal.

Durham Tees Valley Airport will come into existence on Tuesday, September 21, with a high-profile launch event.

Confirmation of the date ends the hopes of critics of the new name, who were hoping for it to remain as Teesside International or to honour one of the region's famous figures.

Airport officials declined to comment last night about the official change-over date.

But Newcastle-based public relations firm Bradley O'Mahoney has been appointed to handle the launch of the Durham Tees Valley brand.

It is understood that 100 civic and business leaders from across the region will be invited to the ceremony.

They are expected to be given a flight over the Tees Valley in a chartered aircraft as part of the day's activities.

An airport spokesman said last night: "The future for the airport is to promote Durham as an internationally renowned destination, as well as the many attractions of the Tees Valley.

"Durham is a World Heritage Site and is the city destination which is needed to promote the airport internationally."

The airport revealed last October that it was planning a re-branding exercise, to tie in with a five-year, £20m investment from its strategic partner, Peel Airports.

The Durham Tees Valley name was chosen above other options, but was expected to be in place at the start of the summer.

However, several matters - including changing dozens of road signs throughout the region - caused a delay and left the change-over date uncertain.

Now that has been resolved and the formal launch date agreed by bosses.

The major airlines flying from Teesside, including BMI, were a driving force behind the Durham Tees Valley brand being selected, ahead of names such as Newcastle South.

They felt it was crucial to have a city name of international repute to attract passengers from across Europe.