The English Electric Canberra b-2 is nationally recognised

The venue has been given over �450,000 to put the planes under cover.

The four aircraft include an English Electric Canberra b-2, a model considered to be of national significance.

At the moment the plane is open to the elements but the lottery money will be used to construct a specialist display hall.

The museum has over 60 major exhibits

For volunteers at Newark, this project has become a labour of love.

Museum trustee Howard Heeley said: "As a volunteer-managed museum we initially struggled to come to terms with the requirements of a lottery bid.

"I personally spent around four years trying to gather all the materials for the bid."

The museum's collection currently stands at 60 aircraft and cockpit sections from across the history of aviation.

These include transport, training and reconnaissance aircraft and helicopters and a diverse selection of jet fighters and bombers.

In addition to improved facilities for visitors during bad weather, the new building will include provision for more detailed information about the exhibits.