Vulcan Bomber joins in celebrations at RAF Cosford

One of the world's most recognisable aircraft – the Vulcan Bomber – roared above RAF Cosford as part of a Battle of Britain Memorial Flight in honour of national service veterans.

More than 4,500 people flocked to the airbase yesterday for the National Service (RAF) Association parade and reunion.

The parade was led by 495 (Sutton Coldfield) ATC Squadron Air Training Corps Band.

After a 100m march, the parade finished next to the museum's Hangar 1, where Air Marshal Garwood, Air-DCom- Ops was the reviewing officer.

This year was the organisation's 10th parade and reunion. It has been held at Cosford since 2004.

Last year, more than 2,000 guests attended the event, of which more than 600 presented themselves for the parade.

All veterans who served in the Royal Air Force were welcome to participate, providing them with the opportunity to reunite with lost friends and colleagues.

This year there was also entertainment from vocal group the D-Day Darlings.

National veteran organisations and training camp associations were represented in one of the hangars.

RAF Cosford spokeswoman Michelle Morgans said: "We had about 4,500 visitors at the site yesterday.

"It was really busy. The fly-over went really well.

"Unfortunately the Lancaster could not fly because of poor weather in Lincolnshire where it was flying from but the Vulcan was very popular. It's a shame because the weather here was fine."

The museum at RAF Cosford is hosting a Armed Forces Day next month.

Veterans, will be attending the event on June 30 and treated to a full day's programme of activities.

Meanwhile, the most popular event of the year at the site, the RAF Cosford Air Show, is taking place on June 17.

It will include displays from a wide variety of aircraft, plus exhibits, stalls and trade stands, demonstrations and children's entertainment.

By Lisa Rowley