BUDGET airline bmibaby is launching a new service from Durham Tees Valley Airport to London Gatwick.

The flights already operated by the company from the airport at Middleton St George, near Darlington, include Alicante, Cork, Jersey, Malaga, Palma and Paris.

Bmibaby has been operating flights from the airport for two years.

Seats for the new route to London Gatwick, which starts in October, are on sale now at bmibaby.com

David Hodge, bmibaby's marketing director, said the company had seen its business continue to thrive at the airport.

He said: "Our routes from Durham Tees Valley Airport this summer are proving extremely popular, particularly those services to Mediterranean destinations.

"Passengers need to book as soon as possible if they want to secure a seat for travel to Alicante, Palma or Malaga this summer."