Spy writer backs plane group

The Vulcan bomber currently sits in a hangar

A group which is fundraising to get a Vulcan bomber back into the skies, has been backed by the writer Frederick Forsyth.

The author gave his support to the "Vulcan to the Sky" team after the Heritage Lottery Fund turned down the group's bid because it said it did not represent value for money.

But enthusiasts of the Vulcan, which lies in a hangar in south Leicestershire, may appeal against the lottery decision and met with fund managers during Christmas.

The Vulcan Operating Company has already raised £1.5m but needs another £2.5m to get the plane airborne again.

Vulcan bombers became a symbol of the Cold War

The bombers are famous for their delta wings - similar to those used on Concorde.

They were a potent symbol during the Cold War years providing what was seen by many as the only credible airborne nuclear deterrent before being taken out of duty in 1985.

Model XH558, or The Lady, was the last RAF Vulcan to be grounded, in 1993, and currently lies in a hangar in south Leicestershire.

The aircraft was based at RAF Waddington in Lincolnshire before it was bought by C Walton Ltd in 1993.

The firm, which is based at Bruntingthorpe Airfield near Lutterworth, has continued to maintain the aircraft and says it is the only one in Britain that is likely fly again.