RAF Cosford Wellington bomber restoration progress to be revealed

The progress of restoration efforts on a Wellington bomber will be unveiled by conservation experts at RAF Cosford near Wolverhampton next week.

The historic plane, built 67 years ago, is being painstakingly repaired at the renowned Michael Beetham Conservation Centre at Cosford, which will throw open its doors to the public from Monday until next Saturday.

Since the Michael Beetham centre last opened its doors to the public in November 2010, the fabric 'skin' of the aircraft has been removed, revealing the distinctive geodetic framework below.

Centre manager Tim Wallis said today: "The centre is not routinely open to the public, yet everyone who does gain access has invariably left with a smile and much enthusiasm for the work we do.

"We are urging people to make the most of this opportunity by engaging in conversation with my staff and savouring the atmosphere that surrounds these historic and iconic aircraft."

The twin-engine Vickers Wellington bomber was built in Blackpool in 1944 and was acquired by an RAF heritage museum in Hendon, London, in 1982.

It is one of only two surviving Wellingtons and is the only complete example of its kind which exists in the world.

Last year staff noticed the fabric covering had degraded and the airframe was corroded.

It is now in the hands of Mr Wallis and his staff at the centre near Shifnal, which opened in 2002.

It is expected to take up to five years for the restoration project to be completed.

The conservation centre is open to the public from Monday to Saturday, March 19.

Admission is free and the centre is open from 10.15am to 1pm.