One of only two Lancaster Bombers still flying is to take to the skies over Mansfield.

It will perform a flypast around 4pm as part of the town’s Armed Forces Day celebrations on Sunday, 3rd July.

The Lancaster Bomber is widely considered to be the most famous and successful RAF heavy bomber used during the Second World War. While 7,377 were built, only two remain airworthy.

Organisers Mansfield Business Improvement District (Mansfield BID), which puts together the event with support from Mansfield District Council and the Ministry of Defence, said the annual tribute day in Mansfield town centre was an opportunity for people to show their appreciation of Servicemen and women, past and present.

The day starts at 10.15am with Mansfield District Corps of Drums leading a parade with representation from all the Armed Forces, standard bearers, and associated charities from The Buttercross, West Gate to the Market Place.

Free flags will be available for visitors to wave as the parade goes by.

Live music will also come from vintage vocal harmony group La di Dahs, a Rat Pack-style singer and Mansfield District Corps of Drums.

Among the free activities will be Top Secret activity booklets, children’s toy soldier casting and painting, free glider planes for youngsters, a display of vintage military vehicles, fire engines, and a food and craft market with more than 30 stalls.

Mansfield BID operations manager Sue Rogers said: “This will be a wonderful day for all the family.

“It is very important that we, as a community, recognise the important part the Armed Forces have played and continue to play.

“We hope people will come along to the town centre and join in this tribute to say thank you.”

Organisations supporting the day include Royal Navy Reserves, HMS Sherwood, Royal Navy Association, Mercians, Grenadier Guards, Mansfield Sea Cadets, 384 Air Cadets, Royal Air Force Association, Royal British Legion, North Notts and Mansfield District Veterans Support Group, and Help For Heroes.