AN airport has launched a shuttle bus service to make travelling to and from terminals more convenient for holiday-makers.

Starting this week, customers with valid flight tickets for Durham Tees Valley Airport can take advantage of the free half-hourly Sky Express coach service, which links the airport's main terminal to the centre of Darlington.

The only two pick-up and drop-off points are Darlington train station and the Dolphin Centre.

Two 24-seat buses, supported by development agency One NorthEast, have been paid for with £530,000 from Tees Valley and County Durham Economic Partnerships.

John Holmes, One NorthEast's director of regeneration and tourism, described the service as "part of a significant investment in the long-term future of the Tees Valley".

A waiting area for shuttle bus passengers will be created at the airport, and Darlington railway station may get a Sky Express lounge this year.

The bus service is part of a multi-million pound expansion scheme for the airport.

Plans, including the creation of a business park, cargo and maintenance village, hotel, pub, restaurant and extended car parking, are aimed at equipping the airport to handle up to three million passengers a year within the next decade.

Recent figures show the airport is heading for a successful year, as there were double the number of flights at the beginning of 2005 compared to last year. One of its most popular routes is to Rome.

It was revealed at this week's Middleton St George Parish Council meeting that plans are on the drawing boards to introduce a direct flight to Brussels and another direct service to London.