Arncott’s Gate Guardian has been saved from the scrap heap thanks to pressure from residents, local Councillor Dan Sames, Victoria Prentis MP, and Arncott Parish Council.
The Tornado GR1 plane, which was one of the first to come off the production line in 1979 and has been outside MOD Bicester since 2002, was set to be scrapped by the Ministry of Defence but will now be moved to an airfield museum in Salisbury.
Dan, who is the County Councillor for the village, said: “While I am sad to see the iconic gatekeeper leave Arncott, I am thankful that this historic aircraft has been saved for posterity. At the aviation collection, the aircraft will join other notable planes and will be able to be preserved and spared further damage by the elements.
I’m pleased that the Parish Council, myself and our MP have been able to play our part in saving the Tornado from an ignoble end.”
