Defence Sec visits 'important part of military history'

The trust recently confirmed that Avro Vulcan XH558, which was the last Vulcan to have ever flown, will remain at Doncaster Sheffield Airport, securing the aircraft’s long-term future at its historic home.

Mr Healey met with Marc Walters, chief executive of Vulcan to the Sky Trust, and former Vulcan pilot, Air Commodore Edward Jarron, chairman of the Trust, gave him a tour of the famous all-British designed and built jet.

John Healey said: “It was a real honour to see the Vulcan up close and speak with Ed as he showed me how to operate the aircraft while we sat in the cockpit.

“The Vulcan to the Sky Trust does great work in maintaining such an important part of our military history as well as doing some fantastic work with local schools and community groups.

“Thank you to everyone involved at the trust for their hard work and dedication to preserving her for future generations to appreciate and enjoy.”

Marc Walters, trust chief executive, said: “We are delighted that we can plan for the long term now that our future at Doncaster Sheffield Airport has been secured and we’re looking to expand our ongoing education programme as well as offering increased numbers of tours to the public.

“By welcoming visitors like John, we are able to talk about the remarkable history of XH558 and highlight our guiding principles - to honour those who served in the past and to inspire future generations to make meaningful change in the world.”

Elsewhere in the Dearne Valley, Mr Healey has also visited Wath-based printing company Bluetree Group to view the new rooftop solar panels on its building in Manvers which are set to help the firm provide over a quarter of its electricity.

Bluetree co-chief executive officer Adam Carnell, said: “We’re particularly proud of our rooftop solar installation, so it was great to discuss the positive impact it’s having both environmentally and operationally with John during his visit.”