THE sight and sound of Southend Airport's Vulcan accelerating along the runway at full power delighted a captive audience who gathered to watch.

The Avro Vulcan - a former RAF bomber - did its annual high power taxi run with its four Rolls Royce Olympus engines down the main runway at Southend Airport.

Delighted crowds by St. Laurence Church, at the side of the main runway, were delighted with the spectacle.

The Vulcan at Southend Airport is owned and maintained by the Vulcan Restoration Trust, a registered charity which lovingly maintains the aircraft. It served with the Royal Air Force from 1962 to 1986.

The aircraft is maintained in full ground working condition. It is not airworthy but its systems, including its engines, are kept in operating condition and the aircraft is capable of being taxied) as part of Britain’s aviation heritage.

It also acts as a lasting tribute to the men and women who flew and maintained the Vulcan during the Cold War.

Echo: Air brake - The Vulcan deployed its parachute brake PICTURE: SIMON MURDOCHAir brake - The Vulcan deployed its parachute brake PICTURE: SIMON MURDOCH

One of those gathered to watch the spectacle was Rochford District Council chairman, Julie Gooding. 

She said: "Very special seeing the Avro Vulcan taking to the runway at Southend Airport today. It was the first time that the parachute has been used for at least ten years."