Scampton Church's New RAF Tribute: In Pictures

A new stained glass window tribute to RAF Scampton has been installed at a Lincolnshire church.

Scampton Church's intricate piece, which has taken more than two years to complete, contains 380 hand-painted pieces of glass and depicts the heritage of RAF Scampton.

It includes the diamond formation of the Red Arrows, a Lancaster bomber and a Vulcan aircraft, as well as an aerial view of the RAF base.

Scampton Church's Reverend Susan Deacon thanked all those involved in the window's installation for making it possible and spoke about why the window was now so important.

"I cannot believe that this day has arrived," she said.

"When the embryo was being discussed, there was no talk of RAF Scampton closing.

"But how important this window has now become.

"It will be the only recognition of those who served there over the years.

"All those who played such an important part in defending this country both in war and peacetime.

"And especially so many who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.

"We say: 'Thank you, you will always be remembered in Scampton Church.'"

It was confirmed in 2018 that RAF Scampton would be shut and sold as part of cost-cutting measures to save £3bn by 2040.

A group of campaigners is hoping to turn RAF Scampton into a heritage site after its closure.

As well as being home to the Red Arrows, RAF Scampton is also the site from which the famous Dambusters raid was launched in 1943 during the Second World War.

The Red Arrows will remain in Lincolnshire once Scampton closes, moving to RAF Waddington.

Cover image: The new stained glass window paying tribute to RAF Scampton (Picture: MOD).