An airbase in Lincolnshire which was the home of the wartime Dambusters could be given a major new role.

It is believed RAF Scampton near Lincoln could become the home for a new aircraft still under development with the Royal Air Force.

BBC Radio Lincolnshire has reported that a new type of aircraft - called Airborne Stand-Off Radar (Astor) - could be stationed at the base five miles north of Lincoln.

The Astor planes use radar technology to monitor events happening on the ground.

Busy skies

The base was once one of the largest in the RAF and the home of the Dambusters but had been closed for a number of years.

It was re-opened for use by the Red Arrows display team two years ago, to the relief of many local people who campaigned to save the future of the base.

The development programme for the Astor craft will be based at RAF Waddington, and new building is already taking place there to house it.

But it is thought the flying side of the operation could be housed at nearby Scampton, to keep pressure off the already busy flying schedule at Waddington.

It is believed the Number Five Squadron, which was recently disbanded at RAF Coningsby, will re-form to operate the new aircraft.