THE Tornado fighter jets may have gone - but a new chapter is about to begin at one of the region's biggest air force bases.

RAF Leeming is about to become the new communications "hub" for the entire service.

And it moved a step closer to its future with the turf-cutting ceremony for the new signals unit headquarters.

The new building, due for completion next April, will accommodate around 500 personnel in their everyday working lives and is the latest building development to start on the station.

Work is already well underway on new living accommodation for single personnel, due for completion in November. Building work on the extended sergeants' and warrant officers' mess will start in August.

Group Captain Andy Powell, Officer Commanding 90 Signals Unit, said: "We are able to build something here that's suitable for purpose and we have designed it with the future in mind.

"All of the personnel are excited to be in the area, and many are already looking to buy property and become part of the local community. They see a future here now that they know the building work has started.

"At the same time, 90 SU has continued to deliver operational output and there has been no let up in our contribution to operations. I have a sense of personal pride that we have achieved all that in 18 months."

Station commander Wing Commander Paul Wilkins, added: "The turf cutting represents the first steps in the medium to long-term future of RAF Leeming as the communications hub.

"It demonstrates that RAF Leeming has a part to play in the defence output for many years to come."