Restored WW2 plane goes on display in cathedral

The Short Scion Floatplane G-AEZF aircraft took 12 years to restore

A World War Two floatplane has gone on display at a cathedral after 12 years of restoration work.

The Short Scion Floatplane G-AEZF aircraft, which was decommissioned in 1958, was squeezed into Rochester Cathedral to go on display from Friday.

It was built in 1937 at the Short Brothers factory, once located on Rochester Esplanade.

Nicola Parks, director of charitable projects at The Rochester Bridge Trust which helped fund the work, said: "Medway Aircraft Preservation Society has done an amazing job and we are pleased to now be able to put it on display for the whole community to see inside Rochester Cathedral."

The trust put £40,000 towards the plane's restoration and the Medway Aircraft Preservation Society spent 12 years restoring it.

The plane's visit coincides with an exhibition about the Short Brothers factory's history, for which Rochester Cathedral was awarded a £36,000 National Lottery Heritage Grant.

People will be able to view the plane every day throughout August.

Admission during the day is free, although there may be charges for additional activities and evening events.