AVATION enthusiasts will be able to view a collection of historic aircraft after an agreement was signed paving the way for the re-opening of the Jet Age Museum at Gloucestershire Airport.

The museum has been closed since 2000 but has now secured a lease allowing a new home at the Staverton airport to be built.

The museum’s collection includes a Gloster Javelin, a range of memorabilia charting the history of aviation in the county, and a full-scale replica of the E28/29, the first Allied jet to take to the skies.

The Jet Age Museum charity has already raised more than a quarter of a million pounds towards the project and the charity’s chairman John Lewer said the organisation would be running a range of fundraising events to raise the rest of the money needed.

“We'll shortly be launching our 'Buy a Brick' campaign and we're very keen to hear from individuals or businesses who might be prepared to offer their time, expertise, equipment or building materials,” he added.

Gloucestershire Airport operations director Darren Lewington said he was pleased to be able to help the charity by leasing them the site at a ‘peppercorn’ rent.

“Our County has such a rich aviation history and it is only right that this is remembered and preserved for future generations,” he added. Building work is expected to begin in May.

For more information on future fundraising events, see the museum’s website at jetagemuseum.org