Lawrence of Arabia, who helped develop motor torpedo boats while based at RAF Felixstowe, and used an assumed name while at the resort, is being used to help restore two former seaplane hangers.

Plans have been drawn up to repair two historic former seaplane hangars which were once part of an air base where was stationed, and the owners are using Lawrence's link to convince Plymouth planners of its historical importance.

TE Lawrence was known for his part in the development of fast rescue launches after witnessing a failed attempt to save the crew of a crashed seaplane in 1931.

The archaeologist, soldier and diplomat became famous after his mission in the Middle East inspiring Arab tribes to fight against the Ottoman Empire during the First World War, and his exploits were featured in the 1962 film Lawrence of Arabia starring Peter O'Toole.

Lawrence, known by his initials TE, shunned publicity and later decided to rejoin the armed forces, under the assumed name of TE Shaw. He joined the RAF in 1925 and later served in the Marine Branch of the RAF at RAF Mount Batten.

Lawrence left Plymouth in 1933 for the RAF Marine Aircraft Experimental Establishment at Felixstowe, in Suffolk, and died two years later, aged 46, in a motorbike accident near his home in Clouds Hill, Dorset.