BUSINESS in the North-East was given a boost last night when bmi announced it is to increase its daily flights between London and Teesside.

The extra flight will raise capacity by 37 per cent and take the number of flights between the airports to four.

Hugh Lang, Teesside Airport's managing director, said: "This is excellent news for our business community and further proof of the airline's continued confidence in this important route."

The flight will leave Heathrow Airport at 11.30am, arriving in Teesside at 12.40pm. The return flight leaves Teesside at 1.25pm, arriving in London at 2.25pm.

Adrian Parkes, bmi commercial director, said: "The extra flights will provide a better regular daily schedule to and from the capital that will be of enormous benefit to business and leisure travellers alike.

"In addition, the improved schedule will offer excellent connections to worldwide destinations."

The flights will start at the end of October, with tickets now on sale, from £38 one way, including taxes