THE flight of a historic and extremely rare bomber over Warrington later this month has been cancelled following a tragedy.

There are only two airworthy Lancaster Bombers remaining in the world – and residents would have been able to see one in the sky above the town on June 23.

It was due to make a flying visit as part of Lymm Historic Transport Day celebrations, but the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight has been cancelled following a tragic incident last month.

Squadron leader Mark Long died when the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Spitfire he was flying crashed in a field in Lincolnshire on May 25.

Confirming the cancellation, the Lymm Historic Transport Day committee said: “Unfortunately, we have received some sad news about our scheduled flypast.

“Due to the Spitfire crash a few weeks ago, planes have been grounded and will remain so until later this month.

“We appreciate there will be much disappointment – and we share in that disappointment.

“In the meantime, we are still looking forward to welcoming our exhibitors and visitors for a great day on June 23.”

A letter from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight to the committee read: “Due to the ongoing air accident investigation and continuing pause of memorial flying after the tragic accident on May 25, I am afraid the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight will not be in a position to conduct any displays or flypasts in the coming weeks.

“Therefore, the flypast allocation at your event has been withdrawn.

“We understand this will be disappointing, but we are confident of your understanding given the circumstances.”

The Avro Lancaster is the most famous and successful Royal Air Force heavy bomber of the Second World War.

For the last three years of the war, it was the main heavy bomber used by Bomber Command to take the war to the heartland of Nazi Germany.

There are only two airworthy Lancasters left in the world, of 7,377 that were built.

Lymm Historic Transport Day was born in 2013, and since then it has been showcasing fantastic vehicles, raising money for charity and bringing people together for a brilliant day out.

The day is run entirely by a committee of dedicated volunteers, as well as some 120 volunteers on the day itself.

Costs of the event are raised entirely from ticket sales and sponsorship, and after costs, all the profits are donated to local good causes.