One of the last surviving Lancaster Bombers has completed its voyage from Canada to Lincolnshire, despite delays and changes in course.
The Canadian Lancaster is one of only two left that is still full operable, with another being kept at RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire.
Through August and September, the bombers will be doing a tour around the UK, with RAF Coningsby acting as the base.
The aircraft began its travel across the Atlantic via Iceland on August 4, although it did face some delays on the journey. It finally landed in Lincolnshire on August 8 shortly after 2pm.
Originally, the plan was to fly over Lincoln Cathedral with the Red Arrows and RAF Coningsby’s Lancaster at 1.30pm, however torrential rainfall stopped this from happening.
The Canadian Lancaster will now be on display at the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Visitor Centre on August 9-13 and 25, September 1-2, 8 – 9 and 15 to 19.
However, the visitors to the centre during its stay will need to book a ticket in advance, priced at just £10 for adults, £8 for concessions, and £8 for those aged five to 18. Children under five go free.
Councillor Nick Worth, executive member for culture, said: “These are iconic and beautiful aircraft, which represent so much of our country’s history and sacrifice. Seeing them together is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity – and an experience people will never forget.
“We’re expecting the hanger tours to be extremely popular, which is why access is strictly limited to ticket holders only. I can’t stress this enough: if you want to see these planes, book your tickets sooner rather than later – when they’re gone, they’re gone.”
Book a ticket with the county council’s Customer Service Centre on 01522 782040 (open 9am to 5pm) or online at Visit Lincolnshire.
A preview of some of the pics to come with @CWHM Lancaster. Gutted the flypasts couldn't happen #Lanc2UK @RAFBBMF pic.twitter.com/0FEnsAq0nJ
— Red Ten (@RAFRed10) August 8, 2014
A fitting photo. Vera flies overhead Wickenby Airfield, a former Lancaster base and previous home of 12 and 626 Sqns pic.twitter.com/NHLJB9rcfZ
— Red Ten (@RAFRed10) August 8, 2014
Shame about the flypast cancellation earlier but here's what it would have looked like…@thelincolnite #Lanc2UK pic.twitter.com/gpFMCGoRMS
— Mark A Chambers (@markAchambers) August 8, 2014
Both Lancaster Bombers at RAF Coningsby pic.twitter.com/husKSUjYFm
— Steve Burnley (@steveburnley) August 8, 2014
The crowds greet the Canadian Lancaster today at the @RAFBBMF visitor centre pic.twitter.com/30aur1FsGe
— Lincs County Council (@LincolnshireCC) August 8, 2014
Time for the attending Veterans to get a pic with the Canadian Lancaster "VERA" #2LancsUK #Lanc2UK #BomberTour14 pic.twitter.com/LVGGAAj3C1
— Bomber Tour 2014 (@LancsBomberAle) August 8, 2014