When can I see the Lancaster bomber sculpture?

The new landmark will be called On Freedom's Wings, according to the organisers

A life-size sculpture of a Lancaster bomber honouring RAF crews of World War Two will open to the public this weekend.

The steel structure was assembled in September and is next to the A46 in Norton Disney, Lincolnshire.

Open days to view the sculpture will take place on the 12 and 18 October, from 10:00 until 16:00 BST, with further dates to be announced.

Charlie White, who chairs Bomber County Gateway Trust and is leading the project, said: "We're very excited to let the public come and see what we've been doing and what we've achieved."

Mr White said the trust was still taking donations, with landscaping work still being completed, including work on the car park, fabrication on the plane and the area underneath the sculpture.

In September, Mr White said it was "fantastic" to see the sculpture go up after nearly eight years of work.

Mr White has thanked supporters for backing the ambitious project

The sculpture, which is estimated to be seen by 35,000 motorists as they drive between Newark and Lincoln, was put up with two cranes before it was secured with nuts and bolts by 40 volunteers.

Plans for the sculpture were unveiled to mark the centenary of the RAF in 2018. Each wing measures about 14.5m (47.6ft).

It is tilted to give the impression that the Lancaster is in flight, heading home to RAF Swinderby - a former station about 2 miles (3km) away.

Mr White said: "Hopefully it's nice weather and everyone will have a nice time.

"Please come and see what we're doing and make a donation so we can hopefully get the project finished as soon as possible."

Free parking will be located near the entrance via Folly Lane. The walk from the car park to the sculpture site is a flat track and no dogs are allowed.

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