THE Vulcan bomber has had to cancel its appearance at this weekend’s Bournemouth Air Festival.

This afternoon its operators Vulcan to the Sky Trust said that due to a problem with a fuel tank, it would be impossible to fly.

Andrew Edmondson, VTST engineering director, said: “Unfortunately, XH558 has developed a fuel leak from one of the large fuel tanks in her fuselage.

“This was discovered after the aircraft was refuelled ready for this week’s flights.

“The leak is now being investigated to establish the cause and extent of the problem, and the necessary repair will need to be carried out before she will be able to fly again.

“We have every confidence that the problem is temporary, and we are working with Fire Proof Tanks of Portsmouth, the manufacturer of the fuel tank, with the aim of completing the repair as soon as practically possible.”