Lancaster bomber sculpture for Lincolnshire should be ready by the end of next year

It's hoped the huge sculpture of a Lancaster bomber, set to be taller than the Angel of the North, will be put in place just south of Lincoln by the end of next year.

The basic 75 tonne steel structure's now been completed but further work's still needed.

The cladding needs to be added and other finishing touches applied before the iconic piece can be lifted in place at Swinderby near the A46.

It's designed to act as a gateway as people enter Lincolnshire.

Swinderby's been chosen partly because it's close to the Lincs/ Notts border but also because it's near Swinderby airfield.

It was high time we thought that Lincolnshire had a landmark that celebrated that commitment and honoured all those that flew and died

It replicates an aircraft that sadly crashed near Swinderby.

The money for the project has been raised by local people with so far nothing from the Government or other outside bodies.

So far 240 thousand has been raised.

That doesn't include the value of work completed for free by local firms.

The trust is now looking for another 50 thousand in donations to move to the next stage.

We've been speaking to Ken Sadler chairman of the bomber county gateway trust.

He told us: "Lincolnshire is most proud of the role it had in saving this nation."

"Most of the bomber command airbases are in Lincolnshire."

"It was high time we thought that Lincolnshire had a landmark that celebrated that commitment and honoured all those that flew and died."

"55 thousand gave their lives".

It weighs 94 tonnes - it's got to be lifted in 5 pieces

Yes there are memorials - but none that really catch your eye as you enter the county."

"The foundations are in - the stanchions are on site - everything's ready for it."

"We've just got to complete the structure and lift it into place."

"It's a massive engineering operation."

"It weighs 94 tonnes - it's got to be lifted in 5 pieces."

"Very difficult operation but we've got some expert engineers and really talented trades people working all for free - it's fantastic."

We also spoke to David Starling a director of Timmins Engineering who put the structure together.

It's going to be an absolute landmark

He says: "Both my grandparents were in the RAF during the war and this is just the perfect opportunity to pay homage to them."

"Unfortunately I lost my remaining grandmother earlier this year - I would have given anything for her to be here today."

"But what a great honour to do this in their memory."

"Lincolnshire is bomber county - we're the forgotten county so this is going to be a statement piece."

"It's going to put us on the map and nationally known and it's going to be one of those things that just draw people to the county."

"It's going to be an absolute landmark."

And you can find out more including details of how to donate here:

https://www.bombergatewaytrust.co.uk

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