Vulcan appeal launched for Eastbourne Airbourne

An Avro Vulcan bomber in action at the Farnborough Airshow in 2008

A Sussex man has launched a campaign to bring an Avro Vulcan bomber to this year's Eastbourne Airbourne show.

Seaford resident Roger Needham, 56, is aiming raise the £12,000 which is needed to secure the plane's appearance.

"It's a fascinating plane, it's incredible", he said.

"My father took me when I was a kid to see it in a display at Shoreham airport.

"I was just mesmerised by it. You can't really explain it unit you've seen it, heard it, and smelt the fuel."

The Vulcan saw active service in the Falklands in 1982

There were 136 Vulcan bombers built between 1956 and 1965. The plane was the Royal Air Force's strategic bomber until it was retired from service in March 1984.

Now only one airworthy model remains, which is owned by the Vulcan to the Sky Trust .

"It's a nostalgic plane. All we have to do is give the trust sufficient money and they will provide the Vulcan to do a flying display for you.

"Ideally it would be nice to get it flying every day but financially that would be quite considerable

"If we got it flying for one day that would be a great success."

The Vulcan can fly at a maximum speed of 607 mph

The Vulcan has made numerous appearances at Farnborough Airshow but has never been seen at Eastbourne Airbourne . This year's show takes place from 11th to 14th August.

"I love Airbourne and I've have been a great fan of it," Roger continued.

"I love the Vulcan. I thought of bringing both of them together.

"There are lots of people who haven't seen it and just to get it there the once would be a great starter. People would look at it and think 'That was magnificent. We've got to get that back each year'.

"If lots of people gave small donations, we'll do it."

For more information or to make a donation to the campaign, you can visit Roger's website by clicking here .