A GREAT North Air Ambulance helicopter sparked a minor emergency response yesterday after damaging a door.

The aircraft landed at Durham Tees Valley Airport, near Darlington, at about 8am, when its crew found the door of the helicopter to be unsafe just after take-off.

The helicopter was not on an emergency call and was due to land at the airport.

There were no patients onboard and no crew members were injured.

Firefighters, ambulance crews and police were called to the airport, but were immediately stood down.

A replacement door was quickly installed and the helicopter was back in operation as normal later in the day.

A Great North Air Ambulance spokesman said that despite the incident, the service maintained a full presence across the region while repairs were carried out.

He said: “A replacement door was delivered by our maintenance contractor in Leeds and was immediately fitted and fully tested.

“The aircraft’s doctor and paramedic crew were on standby in our rapid response vehicle, while our Pride of Cumbria aircraft, based near Penrith, Cumbria, was also ready if needed.”