OPEN days with guided tours at a treasured air force base will be available to the public in Stanmore next week.

Tours will be available hourly from 10am to 2pm at Bentley Priory next Thursday and Friday.

The former air base is where Air Chief Marshal Sir Hugh Dowding led Britain’s air defence during World War Two and visitors will be able to see the iconic former headquarters of fighter command.

They will also be able to see the progress of the museum and education centre at the Grade II listed house.

In July, the airbase won a major victory after securing initial funding for the museum.

The organisation planning to turn it into a commemorative museum to the Battle of Britain was given £45,000 of funding towards the project from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

The decision means the RAF Bentley Priory Battle of Britain Trust can chase a further £675,400 through submitting detailed plans for the project.

The trust plans include not only the museum itself but a project to take Battle of Britain education into schools around the borough and also to have pupils come to the site for school trips.

A series of open days, starting in 2008 with the backing of the Harrow Times, has seen thousands explore its grounds.

As the house is currently undergoing major renovation work the tours are not suitable for wheelchairs or visitors with mobility problems. When the renovations are complete the disabled access of the house and museum will be available.

To book a tour email Erica Ferguson at bentleypriory@btinternet.com with the number of places, time and date required.

Light refreshments will be available on the open days and parking is available on site.