GOSPORT'S disused Naval air base could stay in the hands of the Ministry of Defence, marking yet another twist in its uncertain future.

After looking at a wide-range of possible uses for the Daedalus site, including mineral extraction, a racecourse, a business park and housing, it has emerged that defence chiefs might retain the site.

A Defence Estates spokesman told the Echo a decision was likely to be made in the next three- months.

But he confirmed the land was "surplus to requirements" for the MoD.

At present the police use part of the airfield for the force's spotter plane. The Coastguard rescue helicopter is also based there.

Another part of the site is used by the Hovercraft Society, which hopes to build its museum on part of the airstrip.