The government has announced plans to sell the former RAF Scampton site on the open market, sparking anger among local leaders.

West Lindsey District Council had been hoping to purchase the historic Lincolnshire airbase, once home to the famous Dambusters squadron.

The council and its development partner had prepared an ambitious £300m regeneration project for the site.

Local officials have warned that this opportunity could now be lost due to the government's decision to seek open market bids.

The proposed development aims to transform the site into a key player in aerospace, satellite and defence technology.

The council claims the project would add £300m to the local economy.

Sally Grindrod-Smith, director of planning and regeneration at the authority, said there was "a clear plan to secure the long-term investment this site needs".

The council's preferred development partner, Scampton Holdings Ltd, remains committed to the project despite the setbacks.

Chairman Peter Hewitt told BBC Radio Lincolnshire: "This has been going on for a long time and we've faced many ups and downs."

West Lindsey District Council leader Councillor Trevor Young expressed his disappointment, saying: "I'm disappointed the government hasn't made the right decision, allowing us to progress with our project."