Vulcan pulls in the crowds - but was it for the final time?

No official headcount was taken in Wellesbourne, but the late decision by the airfield owners to open the market side proved the right one. After the flyover, people there reported it taking them 40 minutes to get out.

People also gathered at various locations around the area, including on the hill in Loxley.

Charles Brimson, chairman of the XM655 Maintenance and Preservation Society, said: “There was no official count, but the crowds were huge on the market side and our side.

“We’ve had more appearances at Wellesbourne than any time since XH558 was restored to flight and that bodes well for the future interest in our own Vulcan.”

The Vulcan to the Sky Trust (VTST) said its own website crashed over the weekend, such was the interest in the Farewell Tour. It has posted online about a final flight in mid-October, although no details have been released yet.

But it is unlikely to be in this part of the world. A tweet during Sunday’s flight read: “Hello and good-bye to XM655 and the team at MaPS. Goodbye my friends.”

Mr Brimson added: “As far as I am aware, that is the last time she will be seen over Wellesbourne."

XH558 flying is known as a safe-flight aircraft and has reached the number of miles that means she is no longer considered safe to fly.

An on-line petition is calling for the government to change legislation to keep her flying and it has so far been signed by over 8,600 people.

The petition reads: "At the end of the flying season, Vulcan XH558 will land for the last time. The three expert companies supporting her flight have agreed to cease support, and CAA legislation means she can no longer fly without that support. This is the last flying example of its type in the world and must be saved."

To sign the petition, click here