LIKE a long lost child the prodigal son of the aviation world made its second return home at weekend.

And the crowds of onlookers and plane spotters gathered in their hundreds to welcome home the Vulcan XH558, which was built in nearby Woodford. The aircraft is the last of the Cold War era bombers still flying.

Knutsford Guardian: Crowds gathered at Woodford

The Vulcan which is based at Doncaster arrived across Greater Manchester on Saturday afternoon via the City (Barton) Airport before turning towards Lymm Golf Club and Bucklow Hill and Mobberley, arriving above Manchester Airport at 3pm.

It then followed the route of the A5102 towards Wilmslow and Woodford Aerodrome, before heading out towards Shrewsbury.

Knutsford Guardian: Vulcan flies over Woodford

The iconic plane, which made a similar journey back in June was on the latest of its 'farewell tours' which delighted the crows that had gathered along the route to witness the raw power of the V-bomber, which had once been part of the country's strategic nuclear strike force.

Knutsford Guardian: A final farewell from Vulcan bomber at Woodford

Knutsford Guardian: Prodigal son returns home for a final farewell

Knutsford Guardian: Return of the Vulcan bomber to Woodford