VILLAGERS have expressed safety concerns about a new air ambulance flying low over their homes.

However, Teesside Airport managing director Hugh Lang has told the airport consultative committee he is not aware of any complaints.

Middleton St George parish councillor Gordon Sirrell said three residents in Middleton- One-Row had been concerned about the low flying.

But Mr Lang said: "This is a helicopter going out on emergency and rescue missions.

"I would be most disappointed if there were complaints.

"I would hope residents would look up and say 'I hope you get there in time'."

The new helicopter is being hired from police by the Great North Air Ambulance Service, which hopes to raise enough funds to buy its own permanent machine to station at the airport.