Plans have been put in for a £2.5 million visitor centre at the Battle of Britain National Memorial at Capel-le-Ferne.

The building is in the shape of double Spitfire wing.

Fund-raising is now under way and it is hoped that National Lottery funding will offset some of the costs.

The Battle of Britain Memorial Trust says that the new building, to be called The Wing, will use modern technology and state-of-the-art techniques to bring to life the experience of those who took part in the Battle of Britain.

At the centre will be a first floor viewing area, which will offer unrivalled views across the Channel to France from where the Luftwaffe would have appeared in the summer and early autumn of 1940.

Architects Godden Allen Lawn, based in Folkestone, have designed the building, which will have a study area, shop and cafe as well as housing the experience itself.

The planning application has been submitted to Dover council.