NORTH West Euro MP David Sumberg is writing to the French President Jacques Chirac calling on him not to build an airport on First World War graves.

Mr Sumberg said he is deeply concerned by the French government's announcement that a £3.5bn intercontinental airport, intended to relieve pressure on the two existing Paris airports, is to be built near the town of Chaulnes, 80 miles north of Paris.

Mr Sumberg said: "Three First World War cemeteries lie within the likely boundaries of the proposed airport, including graves of soldiers who died in the Battle of the Somme."

Mr Sumberg said he and other Tory MEPs wanted the Mr Chirac to provide assurances that no plans will be approved which are objected to by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.