AFTER two decades as one of Huntingdonshire’s most prominent landmarks, the Gate Guardian at RAF Brampton has begun its final journey home.

AFTER two decades as one of Huntingdonshire’s most prominent landmarks, the Gate Guardian at RAF Brampton has begun its final journey home.

And as you would expect, moving the 10-ton Phantom XT914 is no easy task but after a few near scrapes last Wednesday (February 1), the RAF’s Joint Aircraft Recovery and Transportation Squadron (JARTS) used a tug to remove the plane from its plinth and pull it to a nearby yard.

The next step will be to dismantle the Phantom and transport by road to RAF Wattisham where it will be pieced back together and restored.

Squadron Leader Paul Tuite, officer commanding operations and training at RAF Brampton, Wyton and Henlow, said: “It’s a very sad day.

“The Phantom has been a focal point for both station personnel and the local community. Its departure really does mark the start of the station’s closure.”

RAF Brampton is scheduled to close at the end of 2013 and the site converted into a 400-property housing estate.