TICKETS for a visit of one of the world's most historic aircraft to a North-East airport have sold out fewer than three days after going on sale.

Officials at Durham Tees Valley Airport, near Darlington, say there has been a remarkable response from people wanting to see the Canadian Warplane Museum’s Lancaster bomber—one of only two still flying in the world.

This has meant a pre-determined number of people and cars which can be accommodated for the visit on Thursday, August 28, has now been reached.

The Lancaster – named after VC hero Andrew Mynarski who died whilst trying to rescue a colleague when their plane was shot down on a mission from the then Middleton St George airfield in 1944 – is currently en route from Canada to begin a two-month tour of the UK, with to Durham Tees Valley seen as one of the highlights.

All profits from the event will go to the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum.

Airport manager Shaun Woods said: “We always believed that, given the long-standing connections between our airfield and the Royal Canadian Air Force, there would be a lot of people wanting to see the Lancaster and that has been demonstrated by the pace at which people have been booking for passes.

“Obviously, in planning for the visit, we had to put limits on numbers and we have now reached that point.

"I expect that some people will be disappointed but I am sure everyone will realise that we have to consider how best to ensure safety and make it an enjoyable day for visitors.”

The event will run from 11am to 6pm and visitors will have the chance to view the Lancaster and also see it performing a flypast at about 3pm.

The event will also include other aircraft, together with classic vehicles and other attractions on show. There will be food and drink facilities and the St George Hotel is also organising a programme of events.

Information about the Lancaster Day can be found at dtva.co.uk/lancastermynarski or by emailing lancaster@dtva.co.uk