CHANCELLOR George Osborne and London Mayor Boris Johnson visited a historic Battle of Britain bunker in Uxbridge, due for a £5.5million investment.

The Government is giving a £1million grant to repair and maintain the underground shelter, which was vital in directing RAF operations during World War Two.

Mr Osborne said: "Under this grass is the bunker where Britain fought for its freedom against Nazi tyranny using the latest integrated air defence systems."

Hillingdon Council is also investing £4.5million to create a visitor and education centre above the bunker, expected to open in the winter of 2016-2017.

Work is due to begin this autumn.

Hillingdon Councillor Ray Puddifoot said: "The council is proud to be the home of the Battle of Britain bunker.

"We are acquiring the bunker and its auxiliary buildings from the Ministry of Defence and investing £4.5m to build a new visitor and exhibition centre above it.

"This is a national asset which will be preserved for current and future generations."

The wartime shelter already hosts about 6,000 visitors a year and features a perfectly preserved command centre, original uniforms, artefacts, photos as well as a chair used by Winston Churchill when he visited.

Group Captain Andy Bacon, RAF Northolt's station commander, said: "The 11 Group Bunker at Uxbridge played a crucial role in the defence of the United Kingdom in its darkest hour.

“This funding will assure the bunker's long term viability so that its role and importance during these historic events can be remembered, understood and enjoyed by future generations.

“We welcome the continued invaluable support from Hillingdon Council."