The base is competing against St Athan in south Wales, for the multi-billion pound contract to host a UK site for defence training.

Advantage West Midlands (AWM) urged people to add their support to the scheme by voting on its website.

A working group set up the Let's Fly Cosford campaign to back the bid.

'Immense benefits'

The regional development agency said it was predicted that 1,200 jobs would be lost if Cosford did not win the bid.

A decision on the preferred site is expected to be made by next summer.

AWM is leading a region-wide working group of key private and public sector partners and potential stakeholders in the Cosford development.

Chief executive of AWM, John Edwards, said: "We cannot underestimate just how much Cosford needs to win this crucial and lucrative contract. The potential benefits for the county and the wider region are immense.

"A successful bid will ensure that the West Midlands economy remains buoyant and that we can sustain a highly skilled workforce."