Lancasters and Vulcan unite for Lincoln flypast

The world's only two flying Lancasters have been united with a Vulcan bomber in a formation flight described as a "never to be repeated" event.

The three aircraft, made by British manufacturer Avro, took off from RAF Waddington at about 13:30 BST.

The planes flew together over nearby Canwick Hill in Lincoln before heading to RAF Marham in Norfolk.

Bill Ramsey, captain of the Vulcan for the flight, said it was a "special day".

The flights were timed to coincide with a turf-cutting ceremony for the new Bomber Command Memorial at the International Bomber Command Centre, Canwick Hill.

A UK-based Lancaster was joined by the only other airworthy model, which came from Canada

Mr Ramsey said: "I don't think that there is much doubt that this will be my favourite ever day in aviation.

"This is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity."

While the Lancaster was the mainstay of Bomber Command's effort in World War Two, the Vulcan was designed for the nuclear-armed Cold War.

Enthusiasts and onlookers caused congestion on nearby roads to watch

Dark clouds caused concern about bad weather but allowed for atmospheric photography

The Vulcan XH558 flew alongside the two Lancasters over Lincoln and other nearby RAF bases

One of the Lancasters involved in the flypast was a Battle of Britain Memorial Flight aircraft and operates from RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire, while the other is based in Canada.

Both the Canadian Lancaster and the Vulcan have been restored and operated by volunteers.

The Canadian Lancaster pilot, Dave Rohrer, said: "This is quite an honour. For us to have the last two Lancasters in the world, the only Vulcan in the world, all Avro, is amazing.

"To fly three ships like this in 2014, I don't think anyone could have dreamed it."

The aircraft continued in formation on to RAF Metheringham, RAF Coningsby and RAF Marham.

Police asked motorists not to park on the verges of the busy A15 alongside RAF Waddington but four miles of standing traffic was reported at one stage.

The event has been part-organised by the Vulcan to the Sky Trust.

Hundreds of people descended on RAF Waddington for the chance to see the Vulcan XH558