A former school sports field is being bought by a museum for use as an overflow car park.

The Tank Museum in Bovington has submitted plans to create a new access to the site which it says would be used “no more than 15 times per year”.

Used by Bovington Middle School before its closure, the field has, in the past, been used when it hosts special events.

But now the tank museum is buying it for itself.

Museum project manager Roy Hicks said they would be willing to accommodate its use by local groups and sports clubs.

“The extra parking will allow more visitors to attend the museum during its special events thus allowing more members of the public access to the army heritage and history of the development of armoured warfare,” he said.

A decision on whether to approve the use will be made by Dorset Council planning officers in the coming weeks.