A COLLECTION of historic aircraft should soon be on the move to a new home.

The Boscombe Down Aviation Collection is relocating from the military airfield on the outskirts of Amesbury to a hanger at Old Sarum airfield where it can be open to the public.

The new home for the collection is a hanger built by German prisoners of war in 1918.

Final negotiations over the lease are underway and, if everything goes according to plan, the enthusiasts who look after the historic planes hope to start internal restoration work and move the exhibits in June.

A public opening is planned for July 1, although some of the larger aircraft may have to be moved at a later date.

The new museum will have a shop, and guided tours will be available where experts will explain the history and role of the planes.

The collection of aircraft, put together over 12 years, charts the history of military flying in the area, including a full-scale replica of a BE2b biplane – the first aircraft to use Boscombe Down in 1917.

There are also complete Sea Harrier and Chipmunk aircraft and several restored cockpits including a Jaguar, Hawk and Tornado.

The collection also includes a huge range of aviation artefacts such as dummy missiles, ejector seats and 1,200 model aircraft.

Members of the public are able to get up close and even sit in the cockpits of the aircraft but visitor numbers have always been heavily restricted due to security at Boscombe Down.

Once the collection moves there are plans to open it from Tuesday to Sunday between April and September and on Saturdays and Sundays during the winter months.

School parties will also be welcome and the enthusiasts hope to attract up to 8,000 visitors a year.

The collection, which is now a registered charity, is looking for volunteers to staff the museum and shop and act as guides as well as help with the move and ongoing restorations.

Visit boscombedownaviationcollection.co.uk to find out more.