KEMBLE Airfield has been voted Airfield of the Year 2003 as part of a national survey by Aviation publication Flyer magazine.
The former RAF and American airfield faced a bleak future destined to go the way of other ex-military airfields, being turned back into agricultural land or becoming industrial estates.
Fortunately for Kemble, businesses have occupied many of the former hangars and aviation has flourished, largely due to the successful acquisition of the airfield from the Ministry of Defence.
The airfield and its businesses now employ around 600 local people and extensive investment has been made.
The owners are now developing the airfield further, with a range of events including filming, corporate hospitality and vehicle safety training and a popular airshow, voted the country's best in 2001.
Kemble Airfield manager, David Burgess was delighted.
He said: "It is a real feather in our cap to receive such an accolade.
"Kemble is now regarded as an established centre of excellence for aviation."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article