PLANS to expand a Hampshire military museum have been given a huge cash boost.

The scheme at the Museum of Army Flying at Middle Wallop near Stockbridge is aimed at improving educational facilities and community and volunteering opportunities at the site alongside the A343.

Officials at the Army Air Corps Fund have pledged £250,000 to museum bosses so that the popular tourist attraction, which already has 35 old aircraft and other displays relating to both world wars, can be enhanced further.

But a total of about £5million is needed to fulfill the dream.

Bosses at the Museum, which tells the story of British Army flight through the ages, are hoping to expand it and make it fully accessible to all.

New exhibits are planned along with a modern archive and a poignant memorial wall will be built in tribute to airman who have died in the service of British Army flying.

The museum which is open daily throughout the summer will also become a showpiece for the Historic Army Aircraft Flight.

In addition to that there are plans to improve volunteer workshops are also planned.

It is likely to take up to five years to complete the project once it gets off the ground and the museum has to raise around £5 million towards it.

Museum bosses plan to apply to the Heritage Lottery Fund for cash to support the project.

They failed in an early bid due to a high demand in applications for money for heritage projects but will be applying again soon.

Museum of Army Flying Chief Executive Officer, Chris Munns said: “We are very excited by the plans that we have for this Museum.

He added: “The Army Air Corps pledge is a great start to this project as we are determined to raise the £5m that we need to preserve the legacy of courage, comradeship and innovation that is the story of British Army Flying.”

Mr Munns who is also a Royal Navy Commodore and submariner is giving a talk on submarines at Stockbridge Town Hall on Friday, September, 11.

The lecture on Royal Navy submarines is called A World War Two Submariners Story and Mr Munns will be speaking about the role of submarines in the conflict.

His talk is part of the Museum of Army Flying’s autumn events programme which includes a lecture on Friday, September, 25 at Middle Wallop by Professor Paul Curtis.

He will give a talk entitled From Earth to the Skies and it will give people attending an insight into what can be seen in the night sky.

His lecture will be followed by practical stargazing with members of Andover Astronomical Society.

The society are due to bring along a range of telescopes to the event.