A MILITARY history enthusiast who created his own museum has taken delivery of a fighter jet.

The Sepecat Jet Fighter arrived at the Eastland Meadows Country Park in Bradwell-on-Sea on Wednesday.

James Harvard, who runs the park, created the museum out of memorabilia he has collected in the last 20 years.

The caravan park’s car park had to be cleared to allow the delivery of the plane.

Mr Harvard, 58, described the arrival as a “very exciting day”.

He said: “The restoration is expected to take 18 months, with monthly maintenance thereafter.

“The slabs of concrete are the same dimensions as the runway construct of RAF Bradwell Bay, a significant piece of history connecting Eastland Meadows former use by the RAF in WW2.

“It is a benchmark in one’s life that makes it all worthwhile, with the bonus of being able to share our British heritage with all who have a feel for the same interest.”

The museum, featuring guns, medals, uniforms and coins, now runs out of the clubhouse at the park and is open to the public at the weekends.

Mr Harvard added: “Last weekend we conducted a survey regarding other Military Museums, in Essex, regarding the numbers of military Uniforms on display, from that study I’m happy to say that we have the largest collection on display in Essex, surpassing even RAF Duxford.

“We have approximately a further 180 uniforms in storage ready to display as development progresses.”

Mr Harvard, who is also restoring a Mark 8 Lynx helicopter, hopes to be able to open the museum for school visits in the future and continue to develop the museum and his collection.

Visit bradwellbaymilitarymuseum.co.uk