A second world war plane that has been based in Oldham for more than 50 years has been sold and will be moved next week.

The Meteor is currently at the 1855 (Royton) Squadron of the Air Training Corps (ATC) and is set to move on Monday from the base.

The military jet, which is the last of three at Royton’s base on Park Lane, is in the process of being dismantled, moved and restored for a museum.

The Gloster Meteor NF14 jet has become a local legend since it arrived in 1967 – and it has sat comfortably as the gate guardian for the squadron for the past 55 years.

Mark Hamilton, Deputy Training Officer RAFAC, said: “In 2006, we renovated it back to its original squadron colours and we had an unveiling.

“That was almost 16 years ago now and, unfortunately, due to a lot of things, it’s got into disrepair.”

Covid restrictions and new health and safety regulations meant the cadets at Royton’s ATC were unable to continue with the upkeep of the aircraft.

In the face of its deteriorated state, the Meteor was put on the market to be sold as scrap.

But it was saved and purchased by a private entrepreneur who has a working museum of historical artefacts in Essex.

Mr Hamilton said: “It’s going to a much better home where it can be renovated back to its original grandeur and where it can be seen by people.

“It’s nice that it is going to be restored because it is an unusual variant – NF14.

“They didn’t make many of them.

“It was used at night-time as a specialist radar, that’s why it’s got such a long distinctive nose at the front."

The squadron leader said it was a shame that the RAF were unable to restore it, but budget, time and safety constraints played a part in the decision to list it for auction.

He said: “I’ve been there since 1977 and have seen it there all that time.

“We are sad to see it go, very sad. It’s been part of the squadron’s fabric since 1967”, he added.

The aircraft was due to be dismantled and transferred to its new home on Wednesday (April 6).

However, the team faced difficulties in removing it and now the plane will be moved on Monday morning.

Another plane may replace it in the future.

The Meteor’s departure has caused a stir in the Royton community with many sad to see the end of ‘Royton’s airport’.

Patricia Seddon said: “I lived on Park Lane as a child. The ATC used to let us go in the grounds on Thursday evening – absolutely brilliant times. This is very sad.”

Alan Taylor said: “I took my nephews to ‘Royton Airport’ to show them the planes.

"One of them is now a pilot in the RAF. Hope Royton ATC sparked his love of flying.”

Another commenter, Margaret Corry, said: “We lived on Park Lane – the spitfire was there when we were growing up.

"We used to play it on as kids.”

Residents have been advised to park their cars elsewhere ahead of the plane's departure on Monday morning.