AN investigation is to be launched to identify a helicopter pilot who has performed take offs and landings at Saltburn cricket ground.

Concerns have been raised by people living near the ground, in a built-up area of the town, and will be taken up with air safety chiefs today.

That assurance was given by Councillor David Walsh, leader of Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council, who is worried by the potential for a disaster.

He said: "I will be getting in touch with our council's planning department to see what their view is, and also Teesside Airport to check with the Civil Aviation Authority to see if these flights are authorised.

"Both Skelton and Saltburn have a lot of over-flying jets and radar training flights over the sea from Tees- side Airport. You have housing with schools all around and it seems very unusual."

Resident Sybil Wells said: "It's not a heli-pad, it's just a sports field with houses all around it and two schools. It's not the sort of thing you want in a built-up area."

The 74-year-old said: "My children are well past being at school, but I would not like to have a child at a school with the risk of this thing crashing down on top. And I have my own house to think about."

John Bond, secretary of Saltburn Cricket Club, said the flights were news to him.

"As far as I am concerned the helicopter flights have nothing to do with the club."

He said the club may launch its own investigation.

He referred a reporter to club chairman Simon Walker who was not at home.

After questions were asked about helicopter take offs and landings being practised in the same area five years ago, the flights were discontinued