Vulcan-ic action!

Following an extensive restoration project costing more than £7m, the four-engined nuclear bomber will be one of the highlights of the four-day event, which begins at the seafront tomorrow.

It will be one of the Vulcan's first appearances since she passed her test flights and was permitted to fly last month.

Richard Clarke, from the Vulcan to the Sky Trust, which managed the restoration, said it was fitting the aircraft was now displaying for the public, as it was thanks to them she was back in the air.

Some £2m of the restoration money came from lottery funding, but the rest was raised through public donations.

Mr Clarke said: "She retired from the RAF in 1993 and was kept in working order then went to the hangar in 1999 with a view to being restored to flying status.

"The restoration started in about 2004 and then it was completed in 2007. It's taken that long to find the money. But we've been supported well by the public, it's been amazing."In the end we got what we needed so we've been able to get the aircraft back to the public."

Mr Clarke said the project had been "one heck of a rollercoaster" and it is still far from plain sailing now.

The Vulcan, which has running costs of £1.75m a year, was due to appear at an event over the weekend, but a minor problem with the aircraft's undercarriage was discovered. However, the fault will be repaired during the week and the Vulcan should be able to appear, as scheduled, at the Air Festival on Saturday.

The display has been approved by the Civil Aviation Authority and will take place fairly close to the crowd, so spectators can see the Vulcan's full capabilities.

Mr Clarke said visitors would certainly be in for a treat.

"She's very distinctive with this v-shape and she's an awesome sight when she's in the air. She always used to be in Bournemouth with her flying days in the RAF, so this is an immense occasion."