Transport Secretary Philip Hammond is 'cautiously optimistic' that disruption from the Icelandic ash cloud would be kept to a minimum tomorrow.

Speaking after chairing a meeting of Cobra, the Government's emergency planning committee, this evening, Mr Hammond said the volcanic ash plume was getting smaller and less intense.

He added that south-westerly winds were likely to take the ash away from the UK and that he was 'cautiously optimistic' that disruption would be kept to a minimum from now on.

THE list of flight cancellations from Durham Tees Valley Airport as a result of the Icelandic ash cloud stood at eight at lunchtime, amid warnings of further disruption.

Eastern Airlines was worst affected having to cancel flights to and from Aberdeen and Southampton.

Asked if the situation was about to get worse, Robin Tudor, a spokesman for the airport, said: "We are in the hands of the elements and the airlines themselves as it is their decision to cancel.

"This cloud does appear to be heading towards airports in the North-East so we think there may be further disruption, but we just don't know at the moment.

"The key message to people is if you are travelling today and for the next few days is to keep in touch with your airline as they will have the latest information."

A spokesman for Newcastle Airport, which was worse affected of the two airports, said latest Met Office projections suggested higher concentrations of volcanic ash could impact on the region this evening.

She said in line with the new UK policy, clearances to fly through higher ash concentrations could be issued when requested by airlines.

The spokeswoman added: "Following the latest maps showing ash concentrations issued by the Met Office, the North East of England will be affected by higher ash concentrations during the night.

"This is causing disruption to the flight schedule at Newcastle Airport and a significant number of flights have been affected."

"Our website www.newcastleairport.com and Twitter page, @NCLairport, will be updated with the latest news and advice."

The next update from Newcastle International Airport will come at 7am on Wednesday morning.

Meanwhile, Transport Secretary Philip Hammond will chair a meeting of Cobra - the Government's emergency planning committee - later today to discuss the latest ash cloud problem.

Shadow transport secretary Maria Eagle said: ''It is good that the lessons from last year's widespread disruption caused by ash seem to have been learnt.

"The decision to allow individual airlines to make the decision on whether to fly in ash cloud conditions, subject to CAA approval and a risk assessment, is the right balance to strike.

''Passengers do understand that safety must come first, however frustrating and disruptive to their plans.

"However, they also expect the Government to work with airlines and airport operators to ensure they are kept properly informed and assistance is available if their travel plans are disrupted.

''If the situation worsens, the Government must make sure there is no repeat of the appalling situation caused by their handling of the severe winter weather when passengers were left stranded and without adequate assistance for several nights in airport terminals.''