THE mighty Vulcan bomber roared into Bournemouth yesterday afternoon with a man who grew up in the town at the controls.

The only airworthy example of the Cold War bomber touched down at Bournemouth Airport for the first time since 1992 and she was flown in by Phill O’Dell, who grew up in Winton.

He told the Daily Echo: “It was very special. I learned to fly here, I grew up here and went to Winton Boys’ School and my mother still lives in Moordown – it was very special to be able to come home.

“It’s an incredible aeroplane, an icon. It’s great for it to come here after 20 years – when I was here as a young man. One of the greatest things about the aeroplane now is how it inspires people to go into aviation.”

Before landing at Hurn, the legendary jet swooped unannounced over Bournemouth seafront to the delight of surprised crowds at the end of the first afternoon of displays.

Avro Vulcan XH558 is marking its 50th anniversary this year. It returned to the skies in 2007 and is now run by the Vulcan To The Sky Trust.

It is due to perform a full display over the seafront on Saturday and Sunday afternoons.