PLANS to change the name of Teesside International Airport yesterday won backing from business leaders.

The re-branding of the airport has been the subject of great debate since it was revealed last month that commercial operators favour a city-based name.

The Darlington sub-group of the North-East Chamber of Commerce (NECC) backed the move after hearing it was seen as a commercial necessity.

Eight hundred members of the NECC had been asked for their views in a survey and 16 per cent responded.

Seventy three per cent of those were in favour of the airport keeping its existing name, although many conceded that it may have to change if it was seen as commercially crucial by airlines.

Seventeen per cent wanted the airport to be known as Tees Valley and four per cent backed James Cook International Airport.

However, new strategic partner Peel Airports wants a city destination in the name and sees Durham, with its rich history and commercial importance, as the number one choice.

Airport spokesman John Waiting explained the thinking behind the proposed change to the Darlington sub-group.

Members agreed that, despite misgivings over the new name, they would support Durham-Tees Valley if it represented a sound business decision.

Jeff Fitzpatrick, chairman of the chamber's Darlington sub-group, said: "The group felt that the name should be based on a commercial decision and some members actually changed their view when they heard the rationale behind the name change explained."

Any new name must be put forward to the airport's local authority shareholders for their approval and that is expected to happen shortly.

The proposed new name also came under scrutiny at a parish council meeting in Middleton St George, the nearest community to the airport.

Councillor Christine Sirrell said: "I feel quite disappointed that they are intending to change it."

And Councillor Doris Jones suggested: "What about St George's airport? He is the patron saint of England, it's British and it was the wartime name."