THE former fiancee of Second World War flyer Andrew Mynarski has given her blessing to The Northern Echo's Forgotten Hero appeal.

Vickie Werbicki, 83, who began dating the Canadian airman when she was 15, said she thought a statue marking his bravery in the North-East would be a fitting tribute to a "kind, gentle, considerate man".

The Northern Echo tracked down Mrs Werbicki, who still lives in her and Mynarski's home city of Winnipeg, after launching our £40,000 appeal to have a 8ft bronze statue of him erected at Teesside International Airport.

Mrs Werbicki was only 23 when her 27-year-old childhood sweetheart died after trying desperately to save the life of a fellow crew member during a wartime mission over France.

Pilot Officer Mynarski flew in a Lancaster bomber from RAF Middleton St George, near Darlington, which is now the airport.

Mrs Werbicki said: "I think the statue is a very nice idea. He didn't die in England but he died for his country and for England and he was very patriotic in that way."

She said his incredible act of bravery in trying to free his trapped friend from the back of their burning plane was typical.

"He would never think of himself," she said. "If he looked back and saw someone in trouble he would never leave that person."

Mynarski's brother-in-law Peter Zajac, of Winnipeg, has also backed the appeal and said he was sure his late wife Carole would have too. "I certainly think it's a good idea," said Mr Zajac, who was stationed at Piercebridge, near Darlington, during the war, with the Canadian Engineers. "And I'm sure Carole would have been more than happy."

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