AN aeroplane enthusiast is trying to save a historic aircraft, based at Southend Airport, before it is scrapped.

Phillip Rhodes wants to save the Short Belfast four-engined cargo aircraft which has not left the airport for years.

But the Australian company which owns it, has begun dismantling it for parts.

Mr Rhodes said: “The historically important, British designed and built aircraft, is owned by an Australian company called Heavy Lift Cargo and is one of only three remaining.

“It is the prototype. I feel this aircraft should be preserved and unless something is done it could be scrapped within days.”

He wants fellow plane enthusiasts to appeal to the owners to save the plane.

Mr Rhodes, from Hull, says only ten of the planes were made before the Government cancelled an order for more.

However, his appeal may already be too late, according Alistair Welch, managing director of Southend Airport.

He said: “The plane has been sitting here, rotting away and the owners had to make a decision because it would never be airworthy again.

“They decided to cannabilise it for parts for the other Belfasts they still use and the rest of the plane will be recycled.”