SHE’S a piece of living history that flies in memory of young airmen who lost their lives in the Second World War.

B-17 bomber Sally B will be making a return to the Bournemouth Air Festival between August 18-21 this year and, after not being able to fly because of the weather in 2010, will be hoping to pick up where she left off in 2009.

Despite the fact that operator Elly Sallingboe and her small team of volunteers have been keeping Sally B in the air for no fewer than 36 years, Bournemouth has already become a favourite just four years into its existence.

Elly said: “We didn’t even make it down last year, we couldn’t even take off.

“We hope to make it this year. We absolutely love it, I can’t get over how beautiful Bournemouth is and I’ve never in my life seen so many people at an air show.

“For the people and what that means for the council with all the cuts at the moment, to have that many people come to the seafront is incredible.”

The volunteers face a constant battle to keep Sally B – which commemorates the heroic airmen who flew daring bombing raids over Germany from British airfields – in the air.

Elly said: “Fuel has doubled in price, it costs £15,000 to put fuel in her. But it’s to remind people of history, what happened and what incredible history England has, and I think she really tells that story.

“It’s why I personally keep on with it, it’s a labour of love.”

Pilot Peter Kuypers will be in the captain’s seat this August.

He said: “I’ve been flying air shows for 21 years and I’ve never seen many people on the ground while doing an air show, it was really amazing.

“That’s the thing that catches your eye.”

Bournemouth is lucky to have Sally B, which was built in 1945, this year, as costs have meant her flying season has been cut back.

Her operation has been funded by charitable donations, sponsorship and souvenir sales.

Funds are continuously needed to keep her flying. Find out more at sallyb.org.uk.

• Read more at bournemouthecho.co.uk/bournemouth_air_festival or bournemouthair.co.uk.