A FIRST World War flight simulator built as part of a £10,000 project has been unveiled by Maldon MP John Whittingdale.

One hundred years ago pilots learning how to fly Britain’s nascent combat planes would have picked up the basics in a Rocking Nacelle flight simulator.

Visitors to Stow Maries Aerodrome will be able to do the same after the attraction, funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund, was unveiled as part of the aerodrome’s 100th anniversary.

The flight simulator was built by Colchester Institute students as part of the WW1 Aviation Heritage Trust’s Project Lanoe.

Mr Whittingdale, Secretary of State for Media, Culture and Sport, launched the Rocking Nacelle at a ceremony on Friday.

The evening also saw Stow Maries Aerodrome’s first ever evening flying event.

Crowds watched as planes included the Sopwith Snipe and Albatros took to the skies.

Peter Martin, Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome Trust Chairman, said: “This was our first evening flying event, and it was fantastic for all to see the aircraft in action as the day drew to a close, just as they would have been when the aerodrome was first operational.

“We would like to thank the local community, pilots, The WW1 Aviation Hertiage Trust, and our hard working volunteers for continuing to support our events which are enjoyed by so many.

“The aerodrome is undergoing major conservation and development with the help of our band of volunteers and partners, who are investing their time and money into what is a very important site.

“The Rocking Nacelle is a fantastic addition to Stow Maries and we thank all those involved in creating it.”

Dick Forsythe the Chief Trustee of the WW1 Aviation Heritage Trust, added: “This project really seems to have captured the essence of the Heritage Lottery Fund’s ‘First World War: then and now’ programme in bringing together so many communities and groups in Essex to share their Great War history of the county.”

Alison Andreas, Principal and Chief Executive of Colchester Institute, added: “This has been a fantastic opportunity for students from a number of areas to work collaboratively, to an externally developed project brief to the benefit of the local community.

“As well as putting their vocational skills into action, they have had to interpret a brief, communicate with their ‘customers’, make decisions and work as a team all vital experience for entering the world of work.”