AN appeal to honour a Second World War hero with a second statue has been officially launched in his home town.

A year after an 8ft statue to hail the heroism of Andrew Mynarski was unveiled near Darlington, a campaign for an identical statue in Canada has started.

Veterans, local dignitaries and historians attended the launch of the appeal in Winnipeg.

It is hoped to raise £30,000 to forge a second statue and fly it to Canada from his old base.

The launch event was timed to coincide with the 50th anniversary of the Andrew Mynarski School, in Winnipeg.

It included addresses by former members of the Andrew Mynarski 419 Squadron, including Colonel Bill Cleland and Captain Stu Smith.

Bill Zuk, chairman of Mynarski Statue Project, in Canada, said that veterans of the airman's former squadron also donated $470 towards the appeal.

Pilot Officer Mynarski was based at Durham Tees Valley Airport, when it was a Canadian base during the Second World War.

He died after battling to save the life of his friend, Pat Brophy, on board their Lancaster bomber over France, in June 1944.

The Northern Echo launched an appeal, The Forgotten Hero, to raise enough cash to erect a sculpture.

The bronze statue, made by North-East sculptor Keith Maddison, is sited at the St George Hotel, next to the airport.

Angela Jobson, of the Wartime Memories Project, said: "The launch of the appeal is brilliant. It is absolutely cracking.

"We have been working towards it for a very long time. It effectively started when they unveiled the first statue."

The Wartime Memories Project made a DVD of the Mynarksi story, including reconstruction from the Second World War and filming from the unveiling.

Proceeds from the DVD will be shared between St George Primary School, Middleton St George, and the statue appeal.

Mr Maddison was delighted the appeal meant work on the second statue could continue at a forge in Nairn, Scotland.

He wants the finished version to be flown from PO Mynarksi's old base.

He said: "I would like that to happen because the alternative is going to fly it out of Lossiemouth.

"Logically, that would be the best place to do it, but for a good story, sentimentality and significance, I'd prefer his old base."

The Forgotten Hero DVD is available for £11.99 plus £1.50 postage and packing, from The Wartime Memories Project, Middleton House, PO Box 325, Stockton-on-Tees, TS20 1XL.

Donations can be made direct to the appeal at The Mynarski Statue Project, c/o 1 Allen Dyne Road, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3H 0Z9, Canada.