The curator of an RAF heritage centre has paid tribute to local businesses who have backed its renovation. 

Ian Brown, from RAF Sculthorpe Heritage Centre, thanked Steward Safety Supplies, Economy Plant Hire and Aggregates and Bennetts Glass for pitching in on the project to convert the airbase's former chapel into the centre's new base.

Mr Brown said: "We are progressing well in the renovation of the old chapel into our new home, but still need able volunteers to come help, even if it is just sweeping or making tea."

Dereham Times: Ian Brown, who runs RAF Sculthorpe Heritage Centre (RSHC)Ian Brown, who runs RAF Sculthorpe Heritage Centre (RSHC) (Image: RAF Sculthorpe heritage centre)

It is hoped that the heritage centre will be able to move into the former chapel later this year. 

The centre secured the building thanks to the hard work of the Wicken Green Management Company and Tattersett Business Park last October. 

Dereham Times: Ian Brown (left) with Bennett Glass at the Chapel at RAF SculthorpeIan Brown (left) with Bennett Glass at the Chapel at RAF Sculthorpe (Image: RSHC)

Bennet Glass has offered to supply and repair the chapel windows free of charge. Stewards has donated display boards and offered to support the centre's renovation, and Economy has offered the use of machinery such as cherry pickers and diggers for the project.

Mr Brown said progress in improving the area had been going well.

He said: “Our dedicated team have done more work over the last couple of weeks in clearing more undergrowth and opening up and securing the side doors for the first time in 30-plus years.”

Dereham Times: Steward Safety Supplies who are helping the RAF Sculthorpe chapel projectSteward Safety Supplies who are helping the RAF Sculthorpe chapel project (Image: RSHC)

The centre has been picking up momentum since this time last year when Queen Elizabeth II visited.  

Since then, the centre has reported a rise in attendees and has featured on BBC One’s Bargain Hunt.

Anyone who is willing to help with the renovation project, or more generally at the heritage centre, is asked to contact Mr Brown by emailing rshc1955@gmail.com.

Dereham Times: Economy Plant Hire and Aggregates who are helping with RAF Sculthorpe Heritage CentreEconomy Plant Hire and Aggregates who are helping with RAF Sculthorpe Heritage Centre (Image: RSHC)

To donate to the project, visit gofund.me/1cd10781.