AIRPORT bosses were given a surprising reminder of the region's military history when they uncovered a 40-year-old Ministry of Defence error.

Decades after Teesside Airport was declared clear of any remnants of its days as a World War Two base, a stash of old ammunition has been uncovered.

The former RAF base near Middleton St George, not far from Darlingon, was handed over by the MoD to local authorities in the area in 1963, having been confirmed as a "clear" airfield.

But officials preparing for a multi-million pound redevelopment of the south side of the airport have discovered otherwise.

Cartridges from firearms used during the conflict were found buried, although the dozens of shells were spent.

Others were unused but ammunition experts said they were ineffective after decades of decay.

Specialist contractors were called in to remove the cartridges and work will go ahead as planned.

Airport spokesman John Waiting said: "This goes back 40 years so there is no question of us going back to the MoD.

"We have been happy with the information we have had from the military in the past and this little find will not have any effect on what will go ahead.

"We're quite confident that what we have found is as bad as it could get and poses no danger whatsoever."

The south side of the airport will be developed for commercial use.

Teesside Airport is working on the project with partner Peel Airports, which will invest £20m over the next five years.