DURHAM Tees Valley Airport hopes to build even stronger relationships with local businesses following the appointment of a new marketing company.

The move is a case of back to the future for Emma Ormerod, account manager at Middlesbrough-based We Do Marketing, who worked in the airports marketing and communications department from 2002 to 2010.

The airport, which made a £2m loss in the last full financial year, is battling to turnaround declining passenger numbers and a reduced number of services.

Miss Ormerod said she relished the challenge to reassure passengers, airlines and operators that brighter times lay ahead for the airport.

"Durham Tees Valley has been through some pretty tough times but I firmly believe we can work with the Peel Group and the local team led by airport manager Shaun Woods to stabilise the current business and move forward to develop new opportunities," she said.

"I am certainly looking forward to renewing my many contacts within the air travel industry and working with the local authorities, Tees Valley Unlimited and other partners in putting the airport where it belongs, at the heart of our local economy."

Peter Nears, a spokesman for airport owners Peel Group, explained why the company had brought in specialist help. "We recognise that an effective marketing strategy is vital for the future of Durham Tees Valley and Emma was our first choice to take on the task," he said. "During her time at Durham Tees Valley she gained an excellent reputation with airlines, operators, travel agents and many other local partners and she has a wealth of invaluable experience from which we can now benefit."