THE last flying Vulcan bomber will make its final Royal International Air Tattoo appearance this summer.

A decision to end flights by the legendary Cold War bomber this year had already been announced by the Vulcan to the Sky Trust (VTTS).

And the trust said the world’s largest military airshow would be one of the places where the aircraft would get its special send-off this year.

The delta-winged Vulcan XH558 is the only flying example in the world, having been restored to flying condition in 2007 following a public fundraising campaign that helped raise more than £7 million.

Since then its thunderous but graceful display has been one of the most eagerly-anticipated on the UK airshow circuit.

But the trust said that several factors, including the withdrawal of technical support, had contributed to its decision to ground the aircraft after the 2015 airshow season.

VTTS director Michael Trotter said: “This will be a very emotional year for everyone who enjoys the unique sight and sound of a Vulcan in flight.

"She has given many memorable displays at the Air Tattoo and we are grateful to the airshow’s substantial and appreciative audience, and to the organisers for their support, as we celebrate this remarkable aircraft.

“In her new life on the ground, XH558 will still be able to accelerate dramatically along the runway at her home in Doncaster as part of both a heritage centre and a new type of engineering education centre.

"We hope that many Air Tattoo visitors will come and see her there.”

Air Tattoo chief executive Andy Armstrong said: “The Vulcan’s iconic design and its sheer size and power has made it one of the most popular aircraft to have ever displayed at the Air Tattoo.

"VTTS and all its supporters have done an incredible job to keep the aircraft in the air for so long, enabling a new generation to appreciate the beauty and power of this legendary aircraft.

"The Vulcan was top of our ‘shopping list’ this year and was the first aircraft to be announced – its final appearance at the Air Tattoo is going to be very emotional.”

The Air Tattoo is staged annually in support of the RAF Charitable Trust.

Tickets for the event on July 17-19 are only available in advance. Earlybird tickets priced from £31 are available until May 31 from airtattoo.com or by calling 0800 107 1940.

All accompanied under-16s are admitted free and parking is free.