THE Museum of Army Flying has received a major boost towards its ambitious £2.7million development plan by successfully securing funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF).

Based at Middle Wallop and serving as the regimental museum of the Army Air Corps, the Museum of Army Flying has embarked upon Project Eagle to transform the museum and ensure the engaging and inspiring story of British Army Flying continues to be told for future generations.

Project Eagle will see improved educational facilities and a substantial community and volunteer programme.

The museum will house new exhibits, a modernised archive, a new entrance foyer and improved volunteer workshops.

The initial HLF development grant of £182,500 will consist of appointing contractors and ensuring the successful delivery of the programme over the next two years.

A further £1.5million has been earmarked towards delivering the project and a second application for the full grant will be made at a later date.

A memorial for the 5,000 soldiers that have died in the service of British Army Flying since the 1870s will also be built as part of the project although this will not be funded by the HLF.

The programme is likely to take up to five years to complete and the museum will need to fundraise a further £1million itself.

Chris Munns, CEO of the Museum of Army Flying, said: "This result is a great endorsement of the importance of this museum and the heritage it preserves.

"We are determined to raise the additional £1m that we need to uphold the legacy of courage, comradeship and innovation that is the story of British Army Flying."

Fundraising for all aspects of Project Eagle is already underway and donations can be made via the museum’s website at armyflying.com or by calling 01264 784421.