An iconic aircraft museum has signed up to an unusual partnership in a bid to reach its fundraising target for a new hangar.

Herts Advertiser: An artist's impression of the new de Havilland hangarAn artist's impression of the new de Havilland hangar (Image: Archant)

London Colney-based de Havilland museum has teamed up with Tring Brewery in a partnership believed to be the first of its kind,

Each month this year the brewery will be releasing a ‘monthly special’ beer, each named after a deHavilland aeroplane, and making an undisclosed cash donation.

The money will go towards the construction of a £1.5 million hangar which will protect the museum’s aircraft currently left exposed to the elements.

Founder of Tring Brewery, Richard Shardlow, said: “We wanted to support a new cause this year, and the museum and its appeal to build a new hangar is perfect for us.”

The new beers are named Albatross, Hornet, Hummingbird, Dragon Raptide, Queen Bee, Hound, Gypsy Moth, Dragonfly, Sea Vixen, Vampire, Mosquito and Comet.

They are already proving popular with the brewery’s customers and pub outlets, including the Lower Red Lion in St Albans.

David Worchester, publican at the Lower Red Lion, said: “Tring Brewery’s decision to support the de Havilland Museum project by producing a range of beers that celebrate the history of the deHavilland aircraft has gone down exceptionally well with our drinkers, especially those who once flew these pioneering aircrafts.”

Everyone who buys a two-litre cask at the brewery’s shop in Tring will also be entered into a monthly prize draw. The winners will be given a tour of the brewery and museum with a guest of their choice.

The 12 winners will then be entered into a draw to win a flight for two in a 1930s de Havilland Dragon Raptide biplane. The brewery will also purchase a commemorative donor plaque bearing all 12 winners’ names.

The de Havilland aircraft museum preserves and displays de Havilland aircraft and artefacts made in the Hatfield factory.

Mike Nevin, marketing director of the museum, said: “We intend to start on the groundworks for the new hangar by the middle of March, and overall it will cost about £1.5 million.

“We have made an application to the Heritage Lottery Fund and are very hopeful we will be successful as it will provide a considerable amount of undercover protection for our aircraft currently on display outside and enable us to significantly expand our involvement with the community and local schools.”