THE Northern Echo's appeal to erect a statue in honour of a forgotten hero of the Second World War has got off to a great start.

Tony Blair has already thrown his weight behind a £40,000 appeal to honour the memory of airman Andrew Mynarski.

Mynarski was awarded the Victoria Cross posthumously for trying to save the life of a friend on a blazing Lancaster bomber.

Although the 27-year-old is a national hero in his native Canada, his sacrifice has gone unmarked in Britain.

Now The Northern Echo is hoping to raise enough money to erect an 8ft bronze statue at Teesside International Airport, formerly RAF Middleton St George.

And the appeal got off to a cracking start last night when all five local authorities in the Tees Valley, plus Durham County Council, pledged £1,000 each.

Middlesbrough Mayor Ray Mallon said: "I am absolutely delighted that the five Tees Valley councils are pledging their unanimous and prompt support for this important appeal. We in Middlesbrough are very pleased to help honour the memory of Pilot Officer Andrew Mynarski."

Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council's cabinet member for corporate resources, councillor Glyn Nightingale, said: "We recognise what a marvellous contribution the Canadians made to the defence of Britain and this story is a prime example, so naturally we are only too happy to make our donation to what I am sure will be a lovely memorial."

Darlington council leader John Williams added: "The statue will be a fitting tribute to a brave man and his heroic actions. We are proud to support the campaign."

Durham County Council leader Ken Manton said: "In a week when our attention has been focused on acts of bravery by allied ground forces in 1944, it is right that we should not overlook the part played by allied airmen in the struggle to liberate Europe.

" Pilot Officer Mynarski's courage and self sacrifice, within a week of the D-Day landings, is a tragic but inspiring story of comradeship and gallantry.

"We are proud and delighted, on behalf of the people of County Durham, to share in this very worthwhile campaign to create a lasting memorial to this remarkable young man. "

Readers have also responded positively with several donations already pledged.

Mynarski's bravery will be remembered by his old colleagues at a reunion this morning.

Today coincides with the 60th anniversary of his death and about 50 of his former colleagues will meet for a remembrance service at St George's Hotel, Teesside Airport.

Anyone who would like to help can send cheques made out to The Northern Echo's Forgotten Hero Appeal to:

The Forgotten Hero Appeal, Newsdesk, The Northern Echo, Priestgate, Darlington, Co Durham, DL1 1NF.