A CAMPAIGN to commemorate a Second World War hero in his home city has been backed by the daughter of the airman he died trying to save.

The appeal to have a replica in Winnipeg, Canada, of Durham Tees Valley Airport's statue of Pilot Officer Andrew Mynarski will be launched this month.

The sculpture was put up earlier this year thanks to The Northern Echo's Forgotten Hero campaign, which raised £76,000.

Mynarski plunged to his death, aged 27, after trying to free Colleen Bacon-Forrest's father, gunner Pat Brophy, from the rear of a flak-hit plane over France in 1944.

The Lancaster bomber crew set out on their mission from the Royal Canadian Air Force base at Middleton St George, near Darlington, which is now the airport.

Mrs Bacon-Forrest, from Toronto, Canada, said she was delighted that The Northern Echo's appeal had inspired the Canadian Aviation Historical Society to launch a similar campaign.

She said: "This is a wonderful turn of events. The Mynarski statue at Middleton St George is a breathtaking tribute to Andrew Mynarski, and I am so very pleased that a replica will be erected in Winnipeg.

"My heartfelt congratulations to the Canadian Aviation Historical Society for recognising that Andrew Mynarski deserves to have a statue in his honour in his home city of Winnipeg."

Mynarski fell to his death after failing to free Mrs Bacon-Forrest's father from the back of their Lancaster. However, Brophy survived the crash and was helped to safety by the French Resistance.

Mrs Bacon-Forrest, who officially unveiled the airport statue in June, said: "It is with great pride that Canadians will be able to publicly recognise the heroic efforts of this particular man, and through his memory, the incredible contributions made by so many others who remain unnamed.

"The symbolism of this will remain for the generations to follow. In the Year of the Veteran, what could be more appropriate?

"May the word spread far and wide and may all Canadians make a contribution to this most worthwhile cause."

Fundraisers plan to meet on Wednesday, December 14, in Winnipeg to discuss the campaign.