Bomber on standby for return of visitors to aviation museum

ELVINGTON’S FULLY reconstructed Halifax Bomber, the only one of its kind across all of Europe, has long proved a draw to aviation enthusiasts keen to hear the history of its time in war.

Now, as the Yorkshire Air Museum, which is located near York, prepares to open its doors once again, work is underway to ready exhibits and grounds to welcome visitors.

The wartime museum, with a collection of aircraft spanning the history of aviation, was once home to three international RAF squadrons in the Second World War.

Its Grade ll listed flight control tower is described today by Historic England as “exceptionally well preserved”, while its most cherished item is the fully reconstructed Halifax Bomber.

The site, home to the Allied Air Forces Memorial is among those to have been supported under the Government’s Culture Recovery Fund in recognition of its historic significance.

The museum is to open to visitors again from May 22, with a number of new systems such as electronic ticketing, pre-booking and one way operations in place to meet the Government’s Covidsecure guidelines.

PICTURES: GARY LONGBOTTOM FLYING START: Gary Hancock working on the Halifax Bomber at the Yorkshire Air Museum as it prepares to reopen; Mr Hancock cutting the grass alongside a Fairey Gannet.