AN iconic RAF bomber wowed crowds during an impressive taxi run at Southend Airport marking a milestone occasion.

Avro Vulcan XL426 celebrated its 60th birthday in style this afternoon as it made its way down the airport runway shortly after 1pm.

The majestic aircraft, maintained by the Vulcan Restoration Trust, taxied onto the strip before briefly accelerating down the runway.

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It was anticipated its brake parachute could be deployed, however issues with availability meant the device was not utilised.

The historic plane, whose maiden flight was 60-years-ago today, then headed back to the apron area, giving a superb up-close view to aircraft enthusiasts as it taxied in and shut down the engines.

During the celebrations, Jon Falk, son of Roly Falk, the A V Roe Chief Test Pilot and the first man to fly the Avro Vulcan in August 1952, made an appearance to mark the milestone date.

He took to the ladder up to the Vulcan, just as his father did 70 years ago, to recreate a famous photograph in his own pinstripe suit and tie.

The attire was a nod to his father who became infamous for his quirky attire when test piloting aircraft.

The Avro Vulcan XL426 itself made its maiden flight from the A V Roe & Co airfield at Woodford, Cheshire on August 23, 1962.