It might not be Middle Earth, but the district could soon have a connection with the world famous director of the Lord of The Rings and Hobbit trilogies.

Sir Peter Jackson chairs a trust that oversees a collection of 40 original and reproduction First World War planes, which is now in talks about moving some of the aircraft to Stow Maries Airfield.

The 14-18 Aviation Heritage Trust in New Zealand has given £5,000 in start-up funding to UK-based WW1 Aviation Heritage Trust for the project.

Dick Forsythe, chief trustee of the WWI Aviation Heritage Trust, said he intends to bring a first batch of seven aircraft to Britain from New Zealand by May 1 to mark the centenary of 7 Squadron, the last one to be formed before war broke out.

He said: “What we want to do as a trust is acquire certain aircraft and our intention is to have some at Stow Maries.

“I had seen about the aerodrome on TV and really wanted to help.

“We are hopeful it will go ahead.”

See this week's MBS for the full story.