Cold War fighter jet fired up after 18 years

A Cold War fighter jet, which spent the majority of its service at RAF Binbrook, has been fired up for the first time in 18 years.

Lightning XR724, was designed to intercept Soviet bombers and first flew on 10 February 1965.

The aircraft, which was retired in 1991, has been undergoing a five-year restoration project at the site near Market Rasen.

Chief engineer Chris Johnson, who was in the cockpit when the 60-year-old plane was started, said: "Getting this old lady running again after so long being idle is going to feel great."

Mr Johnson said his team is hoping to fix the aircraft's top engine by the end of 2026.

The next public run of the engine is due to be carried out an open day on 6 September.

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