DURHAM Tees Valley Airport has confirmed its Director, Mike Morton has quit his position to "pursue new challenges."

Mr Morton had been with operators Peel Airports since 2008 and took on responsibility for overseeing operations at the airport in May 2010.

The announcement follows confirmation that 10 fire fighters are expected to lose their jobs at the airport as part of a cost cutting exercise.

The airport said it will appoint a replacement for Mr Morton in due course. A statement issued by Peel Airports Group said: "His passion for the business has been apparent to all those he has met during his time at the Airport.

Mike is looking forward to his next challenge and will be well remembered by all who have had the pleasure of working with him over the years and the Airport Company wish him every success for the future.

"The process has begun to find a new Airport Director and given the significance of the role and importance of the airport to the region, Peel Airports will be looking to find a suitable replacement as soon as possible. An announcement regarding Mike’s successor will be made in due course.

"Until the new Airport Director is in post, the team at the airport supported by the parent company Peel Airports, will continue to ensure that it is business as usual during the summer period."