THE former RAF Catterick airfield is likely to be the home of a new national army museum.

The site, which now forms Marne barracks, home of the army's 8 Transport Regiment, was suggested as a location for the museum by Lt Col Nick Gaskell, commander of nearby Catterick Garrison.

He put forward the proposal when the hunt for a new location began as the existing military museum in London, became cramped. Brigade headquarters in York confirmed the old airfield, beside the A1, seemed the most likely choice for the new national museum.

A spokesman said much of the collection would comprise vehicles used by troops over the years. "The objective now is to complete a detailed business plan and, if all goes smoothly, the project could be under way by summer 2003," she said.

Mrs Margaret Tickner, chairman of Catterick Parish Council, said the museum could be good for the area and could attract extra trade for local businesses. "The RAF Regiment used to have its museum there, so the idea is not entirely new, although I hope local people will be allowed to visit," she said.