AN iconic bomber aircraft which was developed and manufactured at nearby Woodford was part of a flypast celebrating Saturday's Armed Forces Day.

The Vulcan XH558, which was built there from 1956 until the 1980s, dipped it wings in noisy tribute as it passed over the now redundant BAE Systems site on Saturday afternoon, to the delight of dozens of people gathered on the ground to watch its sentimental return home

The flight, which is likely to be the final time the bomber flies over its former home, was seen in the skies above Wilmslow and over Woodford shortly after 3pm as part of the Salute to the V-Force Tour.

The three-hour flight started at Doncaster at 1pm before looping north over Scarborough and Carlisle before heading south over Barton Aerodrome and Woodford, before returning back to South Yorkshire.

Cheshire East Council helped support other events in various parts of the borough which ranged from major set piece events including military personnel to smaller scale, community-based events.

Council leader Michael Jones said: “Cheshire has a long and distinguished history of military forces being based within the county and Cheshire East Council is proud to be a signatory to the Armed Forces Community Covenant.

“We raise the flag to honour that ongoing commitment and to emphasise the strong ties of respect, gratitude and affinity we cherish with all our servicemen and women for the tremendous work they do for the nation."

Money raised will go to the Armed Forces Benevolent Fund.