BOSCOMBE Down Aviation Collection based at Old Sarum Airfield has closed its doors to visitors over coronavirus.

A statement from the project director of Boscombe Down Aviation Collection John Sharpe said: "Given the rapidly escalating situation surrounding the spread of Coronavirus, together with government guidelines on social gatherings, the board of directors (trustees) have decided to close the collection to the general public with immediate effect (as of 20th March 2020).

"Obviously, this is not a decision that has been taken lightly but in the final analysis, the trustees have a duty to protect (within their capability) visitors and staff when they are in the Collection. Indications from a large number of other museums indicate that this difficult decision is being mirrored by the majority of our contemporaries as well."