Historic aircraft restored to its former glory

The Dakota Gate Guardian has stood watch over 47 Air Despatch Royal Logistic Corps in Oxfordshire since 2013

The Royal Air Force has announced an "iconic" aircraft has been restored to its former glory.

RAF Brize Norton said the Dakota Gate Guardian has stood watch over its 47 Air Despatch Royal Logistic Corps (RLC) in Oxfordshire since being moved from its original base at RAF Lyneham in Wiltshire on 28 January 2013.

Its restoration, which took about three months, was crowdfunded by current and former serving personnel.

Captain Joshua Lakey, of the 47 Air Despatch Squadron RLC, said the freshly painted Guardian was "not only a visual powerful landmark but also a tribute to the generations who have served with distinction".

Captain Joshua Lakey said the Guardian was "a tribute to the generations who have served with distinction"

The restoration took about three months to complete