The RAF has signalled that the base is one of four in the UK being looked at in a review of combat support units.

Now Northumberland County Council and Alnwick District Council leaders have written to Defence Minister Adam Ingram over the matter.

They say closing the base would have catastrophic effects on the region.

The RAF Review recommendations are due to go before Mr Ingram within the next week.

He will then make a provisional decision which will be subject to a 30-day trade union consultation before becoming government policy.

Compensation package

Councillor Michael Davey, Northumberland County Council leader, who has written with Alnwick District Council's John Taylor, said: "Although the North East economy is improving, we are still far worse off than more prosperous regions.

"We would be seeking a multi-million pound compensation package if Boulmer closed, but even that would not fully compensate for its loss.''

A study carried out for the County Council found the closure of Boulmer would take �18m out the local economy.

It found closing the base would mean the direct loss of 800 jobs and hitting another 195 base-dependent jobs in the local community.

Long-term effects could also include a threat to the future of Longhoughton Village School, which draws around 75% of its pupils from families on the base.