AN MP hopes that expansion plans at Heathrow airport could mean good news for Teesside.

British Airways has suggested that if a runway is built at Heathrow, between 30 and 60 take-off and landing slots could be reserved for flights to and from regional airports.

Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland Labour MP Ashok Kumar said the airline's support was potentially good news for Teesside Airport. He is to urge Government ministers to look closely at the Heathrow plans.

Mr Kumar said: "I think this is potentially a good idea. It could, I believe, benefit Teesside Airport.

"Growing runway congestion at Heathrow has meant that the existing landing and take off slots are becoming very expensive, and I have always suspected that this represents a potential danger to the future of the existing service to Heathrow, currently operated by British Midland."

He said the extra slots could ensure both a guaranteed future for British Midland's service, and possible expansion; something that could mean more connecting flights available from Teesside.