THE story of a forgotten war hero whose courage was only recognised 60 years after his death was shown for the first time last night.

About 100 people gathered at The St George Hotel, Durham Tees Valley Airport, to watch a preview of a film charting the story of Canadian Pilot Officer Andrew Mynarski, who sacrificed his life to save a friend in the Second World War.

Mynarski and Pat Brophy set out from the Royal Canadian Air Force Base at Middleton St George, now Durham Tees Valley Airport, in June 1944.

Their Lancaster Bomber caught fire and Mynarski plunged to his death trying to free his friend from the plane.

Mr Brophy survived and was helped to safety by the French Resistance.

When The Northern Echo learned of Mynarski's story, it launched a campaign to have him remembered in the North-East. The campaign raised £76,000 and a statue of the pilot was unveiled at the airport in June this year by Mr Brophy's daughter, Colleen Bacon-Forrest.

The film has been produced by the Wartime Memories Project and charts the story of the appeal to have Mynarski honoured.

Mrs Bacon-Forrest is interviewed and Middleton St George Primary School, which supported the campaign, is also featured.

Angela Jobson, of the project, said: "Everybody seemed to enjoy the evening. The children were able to bring their parents to show them what they have been doing during the year."

St George Primary School headteacher Jeanine Gleeson said: "It has been wonderful.

"There were quite a few children here tonight.

"They were really excited about seeing themselves on the big screen. Seeing the unveiling ceremony brought it all back again."

Copies of the two-disc DVD cost £11.99, and can be ordered using the form on the right.