A FRESH fundraising drive has been launched to keep one of the stars of Bournemouth Air Festival flying.

The roar of the mighty Vulcan Cold War bomber has attracted thousands to the last two events. A spectacular sight in 2009, she still brought a buzz with her last year despite only being able to do an impromptu display on the first day of the weather-hit festival.

Alongside favourites like the Red Arrows, XH558, the only remaining flying example of the war bird, is the undoubted star of the show.

But her operators, Vulcan to the Sky Trust, face a constant battle to keep her in the air.

She has successfully completed her winter service at RAF Lyneham and is now ready to go for another season of displays.

But the trust has appealed to supporters to dig deep to help the ongoing costs.

It needs £350,000 by the end of May and so far has only around a tenth of that in the coffers.

Dorset representative, Phill Jones, said: “This iconic aircraft is the sole airworthy example of her type – she still needs public funding and local support to keep her in the air.

“The project needs to raise £350,000 by May 31 to get her to these air shows and wow the crowds once again.”

The iconic jet receives no funding and relies solely on donations.

Although the line-up for the fourth Bournemouth festival this year has yet to be revealed, fans will be hoping the Vulcan once more roars over the skies between the piers.

• Find out more at vulcantothesky.org.