The replica spitfire id due to be put in place in 2007

The cash from the Heritage Lottery Fund will fund a variety of activities to enable the people of Thornaby to learn more about its history.

It will focus around a Spitfire model which will become the centrepiece of a major roundabout.

The project will highlight the role the town's aerodrome played during World War II.

Hudson aircraft were based at the aerodrome but Spitfires, based at Leeming and Catterick, also flew in detachments from RAF Thornaby and were based there just after the war.

One Spitfire used in the Battle of Britain was stationed at Thornaby as 'gate guard' during the 1950s.

Distinguished history

Among the projects will be classes and a playwright working with Bader Primary School to produce a play about Thornaby's past.

Leaflets will be produced to highlight historical landmarks.

Stockton Council cabinet member for the environment Councillor Steve Nelson said: "Thornaby played a vital part in the defence of Britain during World War II and it is only right the town's distinguished history is remembered."

Work is expected to begin in March next year with the full scale replica spitfire being placed on the roundabout in April 2007.