New combat aircraft seeks station

RAF Marham is the country's major Tornado station

The new RAF jump jet fighter-bomber may be coming to an historic Norfolk base.

The Ministry of Defence is considering RAF Marham near Downham Market as one of the possible home bases for the J-35B joint combat aircraft.

It is the UK's major Tornado strike aircraft station but RAF Marham traces its roots back to the World War I.

Fighters were stationed there to combat Zeppelin raids on east coast towns and during the Cold War it was a front line base with its Victor tanker fleet.

The RAF is looking for two bases - a main station and a satellite - for the new aircraft.

Moving to RAF Marham could have implications for the existing Tornadoes, according to King's Lynn and West Norfolk Borough Council.

The authority said the new aircraft and its crews would be a welcome addition to the area when operations begin in eight years time.

The council will this week debate a report on proposals and implications for the local area.