‘They stormed out ... but in perfect formation’

THE Red Arrows’ base is to be sold as the Ministry of Defence attempts to save millions in running costs.

RAF Scampton in Lincolnshire will close in order to save the Ministry of Defence £140million over 10 years.

The base, opened in 1916, was the headquarters of 617 Squadron as they prepared for the Dambusters raid in 1943. It now employs 600 people and has been home to the Red Arrows display team for more than 20 years.

It is not clear where the Red Arrows will go after the sale, which is due to be completed by 2022.

A source told The Sun: “We know the local community will not be happy but the numbers don’t lie. It’s a far better use of money to sell. One thing is certain, the Red Arrows’ future is safe.”

The MOD is expected to make £1.7 billion in savings in the next 10 years, prompting concerns that the defence budget is under too much strain.

Sir Edward Leigh, MP for Gainsborough, was “saddened” that the base, which is in his constituency, is to go.