Former airfield opens to public as heritage centre

Volunteers worked on renovating the site for five years

A former airfield in Lincolnshire has opened to the public as a tourist attraction after a five-year renovation.

Volunteers set to work clearing the overgrown land at RAF Hibaldstow in 2019 after it was introduced to them by local farmer Clifford Ellis.

Transformed into North Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Centre (NLAHC), visitors can explore the airfield command bunker, see military vehicles up close and join guided tours.

The centre aims to tell the story of those who flew from North Lincolnshire's airfields during World War Two.

Volunteers worked together to renovate the overgrown site into a heritage centre

Richard Greenfield, vice chairman of NLAHC, said the land had "secrets to reveal".

When renovating, the volunteers discovered the old underground battle headquarters, concrete bases and old tracks.

The original flag base was turned into a spitfire memorial in August 2022.

'Remarkable'

Mr Greenfield added: "The transformation into what is now NLAHC has been remarkable, with full commitment from the local farmers.

"This weekend the volunteers look forward to welcoming those interested in the RAF and the seven former airfields of North Lincolnshire."

The centre is open from 10:00 until 17:00 BST on Saturday and Sunday.

It is a free event but donations are welcome. The centre will be open on Thursdays and Sundays in future.

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