When the expanded schedule of holiday services to Alicante, Majorca and Bulgaria kicks off in the summer and the airport is once again fully operational, passengers will be able to donate any spare foreign currency to great local causes – Alice House Hospice, the Great North Air Ambulance Service and the MFC Foundation.

Secure donation boxes will be located in both the departures and arrivals hall in the newly refurbished airport terminal, so people can quickly and easily drop off their cash, with all proceeds split evenly between the three charities.

This drive is kicking off a long-term partnership, which will also see staff develop their own in-house fundraising ideas as well as offering support by volunteering. The airport is currently working with the charities to facilitate a year-long calendar of events which will include corporate engagements, terminal fundraising and other cross-partnership opportunities.

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “When I’ve come home from holidays abroad in the past with a bit of foreign currency, I’ve usually immediately forgotten about it, then found it again a year later in the bottom of my suitcase!

“The first, most immediate, phase of this partnership will let people drop their unwanted change off in our terminal so they know it’s going to one of our brilliant local charities, helping people who need it most, rather than doing nothing at the bottom of a drawer.

“Of course, this is just the tip of the iceberg in the way Teesside International will be supporting these fantastic causes, with plenty of further activity to come in the following months.

“When I brought our airport back into public ownership, I pledged to use it to benefit everyone across the region, not just secure flights to Alicante, as popular as they are. I’m delighted we’re teaming up with Alice House, the Great North Air Ambulance Service and MFC Foundation to help improve – and even save – lives.”

Alice House Hospice is the only adult hospice in Hartlepool, and works to ensure people affected by a life limiting illness or the death of a loved one have the care, comfort and support they need.

Tracy Woodall, Chief Executive of Alice House Hospice, said: “I am so pleased that Alice House has been nominated for this wonderful opportunity, which will provide a great boost to our fundraising and allow us to reach a new and varied audience.

“We are really looking forward to developing this partnership and working together for the good of our community.  This kind of support makes a huge to the lives of local Hospice patients and their families.”