RAF’s pride of the Battle of Britain set to wow the crowds at the Nottinghamshire County Show

A single Avro Lancaster, made famous by Lincolnshire’s Dambuster heroes of Squadron 617, will fly over the event at the Newark Showground during the afternoon of the event, which takes place on May 14.

The flypast is being performed by the RAF Battle of Britain Memorial Flight and will take place, weather and aircraft serviceability permitting, amid a busy schedule of events including livestock displays, rural skills, a family friendly dog show, a Young Farmers Association lawnmower race and a festival of food.

But it is also a reminder of the history of the showground itself, which formerly operated as RAF Winthorpe and was used a training base for pilots learning how to fly Lancasters ahead of taking part in bombing raids over Germany during the war.

The RAF’s last airworthy Lancaster – known as PA474 - was built just a few days after VE Day in 1945, ready to be used in the Far East and is one of only two in the world still flying.

However, it was never used in active combat and instead ended up being used for reconnaissance in Africa.

Today it is flown in tribute to the men of Bomber Command who helped Britain to win the war but paid a heavy price.

Elizabeth Halsall, show organiser, said: “We’re thrilled to have been able to secured the appearance of such an iconic aircraft, which has so many strong links with this area and will help us to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee in a fitting way.

“The theme of the show is showcasing the best that the Nottinghamshire countryside has to offer and we have a brilliant line-up of events, stalls, entertainment and food and drink to keep everyone entertained all day long.

“Central to everything will be the events taking place in the showground and I’ve no doubt that all eyes will be on the Lancaster as it passes over at, we’re told, 3.34pm.”

For more information and tickets to the Nottinghamshire County Show visit www.nottinghamshirecountyshow.com.