BOSSES at Teesside Airport last night defended a significant rise in car parking charges.

The maximum charge for staying at the airport, which has been beset by crime problems this year, has risen from £60 to £74.

It is part of an across-the-board rise, which comes just weeks after police had branded the airport the main hot-spot for vehicle crime in the Darlington borough.

Motorists leaving their car for two weeks or more at Teesside will now be charged £74, while Newcastle charges £71.50 for a fortnight during low-season and Leeds Bradford £68.

However, bosses say the rises come at an "exciting phase" for the airport, which is set to have £20m invested over the next five years.

Peel Airports has been chosen as the strategic partner to take the airport forward and new destinations have already been announced by low-cost carrier bmibaby.

A spokesman said: "Work on an access road and upgrading car park equipment will commence over the forthcoming months with completion planned next spring.

"Car park pricing is continually monitored and tariffs are adjusted accordingly."