THE North-East would gain an annual £230m trade boost if Heathrow Airport gets a new runway, bosses have claimed.

Officials say new research shows the region would be left behind if Heathrow’s plans for a third strip are rejected.

The airport’s bid was previously backed by the Government-appointed Davies Commission though ministers have since deferred a final ruling to address environmental concerns.

But John Holland-Kaye, chief executive, said they must act quickly, warning the North-East is at risk.

He said: “Heathrow is the right choice for a long-term plan to back every corner of the UK.

“The Government is going to struggle with the Northern Powerhouse if a third runway isn’t built to support the region’s existing connectivity.”

Newcastle Airport is backing Heathrow’s proposal to be approved as it seeks to build on British Airways’ flights that carry hundreds of thousands of passengers between the bases every year.

Graeme Mason, the airport’s planning and corporate affairs director, added: “By providing additional capacity, these services can be safeguarded and connect to a much wider range of global destinations.”

However, Heathrow’s plans have long been criticised by rival Gatwick, which wants to build a second runway.

Its boss, Bishop Auckland-born Stewart Wingate, says Heathrow will fail environmental tests, adding his plans can be delivered quicker and cheaper.

He added: “We are a better alternative and are not looking for a penny of taxpayers’ money.

“Heathrow’s poor air quality already breaches legal limits and it is difficult to see how expansion could legally go ahead.”