A SECOND WORLD WAR aircraft was spotted soaring across Stroud’s skies at the weekend. 

The Lancaster bomber roared over Stroud on Saturday (September 3) on its way to Moreton Show. 

Known as Avro Lancaster PA474, the four-engined aircraft is a Second World War heavy bomber and is operated by the Royal Air Force's Battle of Britain Memorial Flight. 

The flypast was a tribute to all members of Bomber Command in WW2 and is often staged for country and aircraft shows across the UK. 

This photo was taken by Stroud resident Chris King at Rodborough Common.

He said: "It's a beloved piece of our history, it was great to see it come across from Nailsworth bank left and fly directly overhead.

"The sound from the merlin engines is awesome, it is without a doubt a magnificent aircraft and a personal favourite of mine." 

The aircraft is best known for the Dambusters raid over Germany in 1943. 

Approximately 19 Lancaster bombers took part in the raid known as Operation Chastise which destroyed two German hydroelectric power stations using special bouncing bombs. 

At the time around 7,377 Lancaster aircrafts were built but now is one of only two left in flying condition in the world.

The other remaining Lancaster is owned and flown by the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum.