FORMER aircraft factory workers are being invited to tour Hatfield's recently completed police HQ – and some will be VIP guests at its official opening. The new police station and magistrates' court complex is on the town's former British Aerospace site.

FORMER aircraft factory workers are being invited to tour Hatfield's recently completed police HQ - and some will be VIP guests at its official opening.

The new police station and magistrates' court complex is on the town's former British Aerospace site.

It is housed in two of the original listed de Havilland factory buildings.

The new area HQ opened for business last year, but will be officially opened on March 26.

A Herts Police Authority spokeswoman said: "The �18m project sympathetically links the two historic de Havilland buildings with contemporary new buildings, providing a new local police station, area headquarters, magistrates' court and state-of-the-art custody facilities.

"All the key original architectural features have been retained, including the long feature pond and fountain at the front."

Authority chairman Stuart Nagler said: "We are very proud we have been able to preserve and restore this important local landmark.

"We would like to share this special occasion with some of the people who worked on the site in the days when the name de Havilland was an integral part of the town."

The authority wants to hear from former employees of de Havilland factory who would like to tour the new station.

Mr Nagler said: "We will arrange tours for everyone who responds and draw three names out of the hat to receive an invitation to the official opening on the 26th."

This development is the first project of its kind in England and Wales to combine a police station and magistrates' court and "is a significant milestone in the further development of joined-up criminal justice in the country", said the spokeswoman.

To book a tour place - and have your name put in the hat to be one of 'the lucky three' - send details of your name, address, the time you worked at de Havilland and your job title to: Hertfordshire Police Authority, FREEPOST ANG6281, Hertford, SG13 8YS (no stamp is needed).