Lifting the threat of closure from the region's front-line fighter base has saved the RAF millions of pounds, it emerged today.

RAF Leeming, near Bedale, is to become a key part of a major military communications hub - thereby ensuring its long-term future after its current role comes to an end in 2008.

The change will see the RAF's Air Combat Service Support Units, currently located in a range of bases across the UK, relocating to form a "centre of excellence" at the North Yorkshire station.

The new role had previously been earmarked for RAF Scampton near Lincoln - the wartime home of the Dambusters.

But following substantial rises in the estimated costs of going to Scampton a review was held which found the Leeming was the best option.

And yesterday the Ministry of Defence confirmed that the review found the North Yorkshire base offered best value for money over Scampton by a margin of £55m.

Now around 130 service and civilian staff from RAF Sealand will transfer to Leeming in April this year followed by 680 service personnel from RAF Brize Norton and RAF High Wycombe in 2007.

Leeming's only remaining Tornado squadron will disband in 2008 which had put its whole future in jeopardy and therefore its new role has been welcomed with delight locally.

The leader of North Yorkshire County Council, John Weighell, said yesterday: "This significant development will be beneficial for the economy of North Yorkshire, help to safeguard jobs and support the prospects of local people.

"We look forward to continuing our good working relationship with the Ministry of Defence."

That view was echoed by the leader of Hambleton District Council, Arthur Barker.

"We had been concerned over the implications of losing the base when the tornado aircraft currently sited there finally leave," he said.

"RAF Leeming is an important part of the life of this district - both for our residents and for the businesses which serve it.

"To have a very important part of the RAF network relocated to Hambleton confirms the importance of the base to the military and we look forward to welcoming our new residents."

There will now be a 30-day period of consultation with the trade unions before the decision to move becomes final.

*The decision should not have a negative effect on Scampton, where investment to date is directed towards units already based there, including the world-famous Red Arrows.