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

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

The change will mean the RAF's Air Combat Service Support Units, which are in bases across the UK, moving to form a centre of excellence at Leeming.

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

But after substantial rises in the estimated costs of moving to Scampton, a review found Leeming was the best option.

Yesterday, the Ministry of Defence confirmed the review found that moving to Leeming instead of Scampton would save £55m.

About 130 service and civilian staff from RAF Sealand will transfer to Leeming in April, followed by 680 service personnel from RAF Brize Norton and RAF High Wycombe next year.

Leeming's only remaining Tornado squadron will disband in 2008, which had put the base's future in jeopardy. Its new role has been welcomed with delight by locals.

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, Councillor Arthur Barker.

He said: "We had been concerned over the implications of losing the base when the Tornado aircraft currently sited there finally leave.

"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 month of consultation with trade unions before the decision to move is finalised.

The decision should not affect the future of Scampton, where the world-famous Red Arrows are based.