A HISTORIC and much-loved bomber plane was unveiled in its new permanent home Southend Airport.

The Vulcan XL426 plane was on show for the public on Sunday at Hangar 6 for enthusiasts and families to come in and see such a vital piece of history with their own eyes.

After serving in the Royal Air Force since 1962, the plane then had to battle the weather for 30 years at Southend Airport before being given a new home in the current hangar.

The plane now has a permanent home at the airport following a fundraising appeal from the Restoration Trust.

More than £9,000 was raised through a JustGiving appeal which means the plane will remain within the airport hangar for the next five years.

During the open day, the Vulcan Restoration Trust also had a wide range of vehicles and sections of aircraft available for visitors to enjoy while they waited for their chance to board the Vulcan.

The Buccaneer, Jaguar and Hunter aircraft cockpit nose sections, a Green Goddess fire engine, Cold War military vehicle displays and classic Sixties and Seventies cars were all within the hangar for visitors to marvel at throughout Sunday morning and afternoon.

The whole event was free, but there was a small fee for those that wanted to climb into the cockpit of the Vulcan.

All the visitors who went to the event enjoyed the day and were pleased to see the historic aircraft still in such great condition.