Bomber takes to the skies again

It is hoped the air shows will lead to vital sponsorship

A restored Cold War Vulcan bomber has been given permission to fly again by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).

But the restoration team behind the Vulcan do not yet know if it can form part of a ground display at the RAF Waddington Air Show this weekend.

The news comes days after a sponsor came forward to provide funding for the aircraft to attend two air shows.

The Vulcan was restored over a 15-year period at its base in Bruntingthorpe, Leicestershire.

The CAA granted permission for the aircraft to be flown from Bruntingthorpe to RAF Waddington, in Lincolnshire, where it landed on Thursday.

The team now await permission for the Vulcan to take part in the air show's display.

The Vulcan is also due to appear at the Royal International Air Tattoo at Fairford and Farnborough International later this month.

'Important shows'

Andrew Edmondson, head of engineering, said its appearance at Waddington was fantastic news.

"There's a couple of little things we've got to do in terms of authorisation for the pilots but that leads into Fairford and that leads into Farnborough.

"They are very, very important shows for us to generate the commercial sponsorship we need."

The Vulcan flew from Bruntingthorpe for the first time last year and has since undertaken several test flights.

About 20,000 people worldwide contributed to the restoration of the bomber and £2.7m has come from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

The pilot of the Vulcan, squadron leader David Thomas, said: "It's been a lot of pleasure, not only to the guys who fix the Vulcan but to the large number of fans who have supported us over the years.

"I have to say the emotion takes place on the ground, as soon as you get into the aeroplane you become unemotional."