The D-Day aviation museum at Shoreham Airport has closed down after a long-running row over rent. It's collection will be auctioned off.

Owners of the museum blamed rent hikes and a lack of consultation from airport managers for their decision to quit.

However, airport managers said they were not told of plans to close the museum until the owners made a public announcement.

Ken Rimell, co-owner of the collection, which includes a full-size model of a Spitfire, said they had no choice.

He said: "The airport has upped the rent by 40 per cent. It's been a constant battle for the past eight years. They never consulted us with anything they did. It is tragic but we can't match the rent."

Museum manager Tom Farrent, 79, said the news would upset a lot of people.

He said: "It's especially sad for all the people who have donated works. It's a national heritage and it means a lot to a lot of people."

John Haffenden, airport manager, said the move had come as a complete surprise and added: "We weren't consulted at all. The only confirmation we got was when we saw an ad in the paper advertising an auction for the contents of the museum.

"We sent a letter to them about a rent review but we have had no response.

"The rent was suggested by a commercial company according to the market."

Tim Loughton, MP for East Worthing and Shoreham, who has mediated disagreements between management and owners in the past, said: "I'm disappointed the museum is going to end its long association with the airport."