THE police helicopter base at Durham Tees Valley Airport (DTVA) is to close, police chiefs have announced

The National Police Air Service (Npas) confirmed this morning that the base would shut in the 2016/17 financial year as part of a cost-cutting exercise.

The base at Newcastle International Airport survives the cull, which will see Npas reduce its operating bases by ten to 15.

It is not yet clear of the Tees Valley aircraft and staff will move to Newcastle.

The decision comes less than a year after DTVA opened a new purpose-built hangar for the Npas aircraft.

The 320 square metre facility was provided under a five-year agreement between the airport and the Npas.

Cleveland Police's helicopter transferred to Npas in 2013, but continued to be based at DTVA.

The switch meant the force no longer had its own dedicated helicopter, with other forces able to call on the aircraft.

However, senior Cleveland Police officers defended the move at the time, saying the new arrangements would provide the same aircraft cover for Cleveland and at a cheaper cost.

The Northern Echo revealed earlier this month that the future of the base was in-doubt.

The uncertainty prompted Cleveland police and crime commissioner Barry Coppinger to meet with other PCCs and senior police officers to discuss the future of the police helicopter service in the region.