The first flight of a new airline link for Cornwall took off today and was welcomed with an inaugural water cannon salute.

Cornwall Airport Newquay’s newest airline partner, Eastern Airways, today began flights between Cornwall and Teesside International.

As it landed in Cornwall it was welcomed with a traditional salute from the airport's water cannons.

The new route will operate initially on Mondays and Fridays, with Eastern Airways also be beginning flights between Cornwall and Leeds-Bradford later this week.

Pete Downes, managing director at Cornwall Airport Newquay, said “Air connectivity between the north east and the south west is vital for business and leisure travel, given the distances and journey times required by any other means.

"As Cornwall begins to reopen, this important new route has launched at the perfect time for us to welcome visitors from Teesside and the wider region this summer, as well as supporting growth in business links between two UK regions packed with potential.”

Cornwall Airport Newquay is now back open and running flights to Faro, Alicante and Teesside International.

Flights will also begin again to Leeds-Bradford on July 9, London Heathrow on July 24 and Dublin on August 1.