VIDEO: Last ever flight of Vulcan bomber XH558

The huge historic aircraft took off on Wednesday afternoon for a final flypast before retirement.

XH558, which completed a farewell tour of the country earlier this month, took off from its base at Robin Hood Airport in Doncaster and its final flight lasted around 20 minutes.

It has been agreed with the airport that the flight would take place at very short notice so there was no disruption.

A spokesman said: “We have used almost all the available flying hours taking her to you, across the UK this year, flying more than 50 per cent longer than in any previous year, with many thanks to Marshall Aerospace, the Civil Aviation Authority, and K M Dastur, our aviation insurance brokers, for agreeing this extension.

“After such a fabulous year, we have only a handful of minutes left, so the final flight will be around 15 minutes with no display, simply saying Farewell to the Skies.”