A HISTORIC Stanmore air base is holding a series of seasonal tours this winter.

RAF Bentley Priory opened its doors to the public for the first time in 80 years in September and residents will get another opportunity to see the former home of Fighter Command on Thursday, December 18.

Seasoned tour guides will take groups round the rooms and corridors where Air Chief Marshal Sir Hugh Dowding co-ordinated the Spitfires and Hurricanes that defended the country during the Battle of Britain.

After the tours there will be music, provided by the Grimsdyke Brass Band, as well as refreshments.

Organisers hope the event will bring Christmas cheer and something for the whole of Harrow's ethnically diverse community.

A number of World War Two veterans are likely to attend the event to see what has been described as the “spiritual home” of the RAF.

Bentley Priory was taken over by VSM Estates when the RAF withdrew from the base earlier this year and the company is in talks with a developer which will push ahead with a housing project on the site.

The Grade II* listed mansion house is likely to be home to a number of luxury flats but there are plans to turn its most historically significant rooms into a commemorative museum.

If the project goes ahead, the museum will be run by the RAF Bentley Priory Battle of Britain Trust and there will also be a number of houses and flats nearby.

There are hopes a contract could be signed by early next year.

Tickets for December's tours cost £10, to book call Squadron Leader Erica Ferguson on 07813 856 719 during office hours.