Boscombe Down missed out on a crucial bid for a new fleet of aircraft and a review of its role is now being carried out.

The government said the results would be published shortly.

The Salisbury MP, Robert Key, has held a meeting with the Defence Minister to tell him of the urgent need for a decision on the future of the Wiltshire base.

Wonderful workforce

"The worst thing would be loss of MoD work, whilst having to bear the cost of the overheads of running an enormous airfield and that is the worst option possible," he said.

"Fortunately the minister has offered to come down and meet the workers and management.