THE return of Vulcan XH558 to display at the Royal Air Force Waddington Air Show last weekend in this her golden anniversary year was greeted with rapturous applause by spectators.

That this was achieved at all was due to the extraordinary efforts in the past few days by my own team, the staff and management of Marshall of Cambridge Aerospace, BAE Systems, Kearsley Airways of Stansted and the Civil Aviation Authority.

I would like to sincerely thank everyone who made it possible.

In particular, though, on behalf of us all, I would like to thank the people of Lincolnshire – "Bomber County" – for all they have done to contribute to keeping XH558 flying, the last example of more than 300 RAF V-Force Valiant, Victor and Vulcan aircraft that can still fly.

We have taken the opportunity this year to add the phrase "The Spirit of Great Britain" to XH558's livery, in recognition of all that has gone into returning her safely to flight.

Dr Robert Pleming Chief Executive, Vulcan To the Sky Trust, Venture Court, Dodwells Road, Hinckley, Leicestershire.