RAF Lyneham is the latest place to get the reality TV treatment but personnel at the base will have to wait until the end of the month to see themselves on the small screen.

Viewers in Central TV area will see the episode on May 1 but HTV, which covers Lyneham, will not screen it until May 29.

The base, which has provided a vital transport link to the Middle East in the conflict with Iraq, is to be the subject of a documentary, called Airbase.

It was filmed by Carlton Television between last November and April this year and features a host of the base's staff, including its Commanding Officer, Group Captain Ray Lock, and the RAF wives from the Hive the base's community centre.

The programme looks at the role of the base as it switches from its peacetime work to its involvement in the second Gulf War.

Flight Lieutenant John Makinson Sanders, who is in charge of media liaison at the base, said: "It has been very interesting having the television crew around.

"This is the first programme made about Lyneham, and has been a very exciting few months. They have covered some major events, such as the recent visits by the Princess Royal and the Prime Minister, Tony Blair, and of course our role in the recent conflict.

Meanwhile, RAF and civilian staff at Lyneham are still waiting for the MoD to make a decision on whether the base is to stay open or wind down its operations during the next decade.

An announcement on its future was expected more than a month ago.

MoD spokesmen have reiterated its earlier statements that a decision is imminent.