This weekend could see the final flight of the last airworthy Vulcan bomber over the Stockport factory where it was assembled.

Vulcan XH558 was built at Avro’s Woodford site – where the iconic delta wing aircraft were made from 1956 until the 1980s – and it is the last of the Cold War era bombers still flying.

Vulcans played a key role for Britain during the period and their ground-breaking design led directly to the development of Concorde.

The bomber is expected over Woodford at around 3.10pm on Saturday as part of the Salute to the V-Force Tour, but details are subject to change.

It will also pass over Barton Aerodrome at around 3pm.

The three-hour flight will start at Doncaster at 1pm and loop north over Scarborough and Carlisle before heading back over Barton Aerodrome and Woodford, and back to Doncaster.

The XH558 was last seen in the area two weeks ago as part of the Cholmondeley Pageant of Power for its farewell tour.

Aviation enthusiast Mel Thorley, who used to go plane-spotting at Avro as a child, is looking forward to seeing the bomber in the air for what will probably be the final time.

Vulcan flight plan View fullscreen

Mel, who grew up in Edgeley and Davenport, said: “I thought the Cosford Air Show was the last time I would see a Vulcan bomber until I found out about this.

“It will be marvellous to see one over Woodford one last time.

“You have always got to think there will be another day but one assumes this will be the last time and the last time over Woodford.

“I hope it does a circuit rather than just a fly-past but it will depend on conditions.

“It will be a happy day and a sad day, but we’ll be ecstatic beforehand and just afterwards.

“It will be one of those ‘what do I do now’ moments. We used to get all the bombers here, it used be like getting your own fabulous personal airshow every time you went up to Woodford.

“The Vulcan is so large, it’s incredible for it to climb the way it does.

“They are so heavy, the first one I ever saw I thought ‘how the heck does it do that’ – it’s an awesome plane.”

Other events on Saturday – Armed Forces Day – include a celebration organised by Stockport Homes at Wimborne Close in Cheadle Hulme between 3pm and 6pm.

There will also be a family fun day at Castle Street in Edgeley between 10am and 5pm featuring a bouncy castle, a martial arts demonstration and displays from the police and fire services.

All monies raised will be donated to the Armed Forces Benevolent Fund.