A DEAL that will preserve the spiritual home of The Few as a museum to the Battle of Britain is just days away, the Harrow Times has learned.

As the country marked the 70th anniversary of the air war that saved Britain from the Nazis, developers were preparing to sign a contract to guarantee the future of Bentley Priory.

The Grade II* listed mansion house, in Stanmore, was home to Fighter Command during the Second World War and Air Chief Marshal Sir Hugh Dowding used the base to plan England's air defence.

John Williams, chairman of the Stanmore Society, said: “It will be a delight for all concerned. We've been as keen as anybody to see the museum there.

“I'm sure there will be a celebration. The trustees will be so pleased after all these years of hard work. It must be a tremendous relief that it's so close to happening.”

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) withdrew from the base in May, 2008, passing the land to VSM Estates which will sell it for development into just over 100 luxury flats and houses.

Campaigners and politicians fought to get funding for an education centre in its most historic rooms included in the plans, ensuring its remarkable history is not forgotten.

VSM and a developer are expected to put pen to paper by the end of the week, while Sir Brian Burridge, of the RAF Bentley Priory Battle of Britain Trust, has already signed an agreement of lease for the museum.

The fight to preserve the memory of the base has been running for around five years, and the plans were thrown into doubt last year when the housing market collapsed.

Dorothy Pope, a survivor of the Coventry blitz, who now lives in Runnelfield, Harrow-on-the-Hill, said: “This is wonderful news.

“It's a tragedy that it's ever been in doubt, but it's wonderful it is going through because it mustn't be forgotten.

“This is the point – freedom doesn't exist unless you fight for it. I don't think people to this day are aware enough of the work done by The Few.”