AN RAF veteran can continue his ambition to build a Second World War aircraft museum in Wyre Forest when he takes his foot off the pedal to begin retirement.

Alan Varndell is stepping down after 17 years as driver of the Stourport Mobile Library, but while it is with a tinge of sadness, the 64-year-old will have more time on his hands to fulfil his dream of building the Lancaster Legend Centre at Bewdley.

Mr Varndell, of Tenby Way, Stourport, is spearheading a group of about 30 members in an ongoing project to build a full-size replica of a Lancaster Bomber.

He has already secured Spitfire and Mosquito planes for exhibits at the centre, which is proposed for a site near Bewdley by-pass and is "very likely" to open next summer, added Mr Varndell.

He has long been an admirer of the joys of aircraft after spending 16 years in the RAF working as a telegraphist at postings including Bletchley Park, France and Belgium.

And after coming to the end of the road as the mobile library driver, the Smethwick born-and-educated man's flight of vision for the Bewdley centre can take centre stage.

Speaking about his library work, he described the best part of the driving job as "every day being different".

He said: "I could get in the lorry and tour the district, meeting different folk and hearing different tales each day.

"In your working life you can't really ask for a lot more than discovering something new each day or seeing a new face."

Mr Varndell is also a member of the Guild of Aviation Artists, which he said was a "magnificent" way for him to spend some of his spare time.

He added: "There are some tremendous functions to enjoy where you can always learn something new about aircraft and the like.

"I just enjoy going to meet people and when it's part of your favourite hobby, that's all the better."

Mr Varndell began work as an apprentice in the drawing office at Cadbury's in Birmingham after leaving school aged 15.

But after six months he decided "office walls" were not for him, and he joined the RAF.

And his aviation love affair is still burning strong.

He said: "When I go on holiday I tend to end up looking at wartime and aircraft relics, so it must be in my blood.

"I also love painting, and retirement will give me the chance to become a full-time professional oil painter."

As well as cats, dogs and ships he will be drawing ... you've guessed it, aeroplanes.