MP KEVIN Hollinrake has said it is a "very sad day" as the closure of RAF Linton-on-Ouse was confirmed.

Mr Hollinrake, the Conservative MP for Thirsk and Malton, said he had worked hard to avoid the closure of the base and that the news is "disappointing".

About 300 people work at RAF Linton-on-Ouse, which is north west of York, and Mr Hollinrake added that many of the jobs will be relocated.

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He said: "It's a very sad day. This base has been there for 80 years. It has a proud history and did such a wonderful job in the Second World War.

"We have been trying to avoid closure for a number of months. We knew it was under threat and I think people at the base knew as well.

"We have had meetings with constituents and we tried to suggest alternatives to the Ministry of Defence to avoid closure.

"It's very disappointing.

"But there was very little that could be done and we are trying to spend taxpayer's money wisely. I do understand the need to be more efficient."

Prince William trained to be a pilot at the air base, which is off the A19.

Mr Hollinrake said the base is likely to shut in 2020 and added: "It's likely that activities will transfer to RAF Valley in Anglesey.

"We did raise concerns about capacity at RAF Valley because we also train other nations and we we met with some senior members of the RAF and ministers to discuss the question of capacity."