THE Dorset branch of a trust that supports the Vulcan bomber has warned it could be grounded if vital cash is not raised.

One of the stars of Bournemouth Air Festival, the mighty Cold War jet has captivated crowds at the seafront event, but it costs hundreds of thousands of pounds a year to keep the warbird flying.

The Vulcan to the Sky Trust faces a constant battle to keep the iconic aircraft, which receives no public cash, in the air and says it needs £350,000 by the end of May.

So far it has raised less than half what it needs – £130,000.

Dorset representative Phill Jones said: “At this rate the trust will soon be putting the crew and engineering staff on a month’s notice of losing their jobs. XH558 will be grounded and never take to the skies again, and end up as a museum piece at Robin Hood Airport.

“Everyone loves Vulcan – she is a once seen, never forgotten, image when she displays. If funding is not raised she will not be gracing our skies over Bournemouth ever again.”

The roar of the Vulcan has attracted thousands to the last two Bournemouth events – known as the Vulcan Effect.

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 Vulcan, is the undoubted star of the show.

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

Although the Vulcan has not yet been announced in the line-up for the fourth Bournemouth festival this year, fans will be hoping it once more roars over the skies between the piers. Find out more at vulcantothesky.org