AN RAF veteran's dream of establishing a Second World War aircraft museum in Wyre Forest has been given a boost with the pledge of a building to help house exhibits. Alan Varndell, who is aiming to set up a Lancaster Bomber centre in Bewdley.

Alan Varndell, of Tenby Way, Stourport, has spent three years drumming up support for the Lancaster Legend Centre at Bewdley.

He has already secured Spitfire and Mosquito planes for exhibits.

And though hurdles such as securing a site alongside the Bewdley bypass need to be overcome before his vision can take flight, Mr Varndell, 64, has enlisted the support of 25 other active enthusiasts to help achieve his ambition.

Dairy farmer John Bennett, of Worcester, has offered to donate a building which could be moved and reconstructed on site at Bewdley if planning and development ever gets the go-ahead.

Mr Varndell, a mobile library driver, spent 16 years in the RAF as a telegraphist and among his postings was one at Bletchley, forever associated with wartime codecracking and the Enigma machine.

He said the museum project, which would involve the building of a replica Lancaster bomber, following original plans, could benefit from grants dedicated to the preservation of military aircraft.

"There's quite a lot of trusts around the country willing to put their hands in their pockets," he explained.

Mr Varndell, a member of the Guild of Aviation Artists, described many of his group's members as ex-military personnel, who wanted to "hang on to history".

Anyone who wants to find out more about the museum project or support it can contact Mr Varndell on 01299 825030 or through Stourport Library.