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		MEP to support classic aircraft Friday, 22 October 2004 Local East Midlands MEP, Roger Helmer, is in Bruntingthorpe, near Lutterworth, on Sunday 24th October to help support the fundraising activities of the ‘Vulcan To The Sky’ campaign and their members. The group has been established to help raise money to get the last remaining operational AVRO Vulcan XH558 bomber back in the air. They are currently aiming to raise enough money to compliment the £2.7millon grant from the National Lottery. It is hoped that Roger’s visit will increase the public’s awareness of the need to get the Vulcan flying again. Commenting on the visit, Mr Helmer said: "The Vulcan bomber is famous throughout the world. We have not seen anything quite like it before or since. I am delighted to be able to come and support this fabulous campaign. As well as being an amazing example of British engineering excellence, the Vulcan represents an important piece of RAF aviation heritage, and as such, should be supported." Spearheading the campaign is project director, Dr Robert Pleming. He added: "We are delighted that Roger is visiting us. It is necessary for this campaign to raise as much money as possible in order for us to top up the lottery grant with required funds. At the moment we hope to raise the remaining £400,000. Hopefully Mr Helmer’s visit will provide the campaign with a much needed boost which will undoubtedly help the public understand what we are all about. The Vulcan was a major deterrent against Soviet Russia during the cold war. Its importance cannot be overstated in helping to defend our country. For this reason more than most any further support and ensuing publicity which continues to bring the restoration of Avro Xh558 to the attention of a wider audience is most welcome."