A historic aircraft with deep links to Yorkshire's aviation heritage has made an emotional return to the region after landing at Leeds Bradford Airport today.
The beautifully restored Avro Anson, affectionately known as "Annie", arrived at the airport as part of the successful "Bring Annie Home" campaign, drawing aviation enthusiasts, community members and families of former aircraft workers together to celebrate the occasion.
Originally designed by the Avro company, the Anson became a familiar sight in British skies during the Second World War, serving in roles including maritime patrol, navigation training and communications. The aircraft's return to Yorkshire has been seen as a tribute to the region's rich aerospace history and the generations of workers who helped build and maintain Avro aircraft.
Leeds Bradford Airport welcomed relatives of former employees from the historic Avro factory, where skilled engineers, craftsmen and assembly workers played a key role in Britain's aviation industry. Guests shared memories of family members who dedicated their careers to aircraft production, helping preserve an important chapter of British industrial heritage.
The Lord Mayor of Leeds attended the event and formally welcomed the aircraft crew, presenting them with a commemorative homecoming certificate to mark the significance of Annie's return.
Vincent Hodder, chief executive officer of Leeds Bradford Airport, said: "We are honoured to have welcomed Annie to Leeds Bradford Airport.
"This has been far more than the arrival of a historic aircraft. It has been an opportunity to celebrate the people behind the aircraft – the workers, engineers and families whose skills and dedication helped shape Britain's aviation heritage. Hosting the descendants of Avro factory workers made the day especially meaningful."
The event formed part of the wider "Bring Annie Home" initiative, which aims to reconnect the aircraft with the communities that played a significant role in its history.
For many of those attending, Annie's arrival represented a powerful reminder of Yorkshire's contribution to British aviation and a fitting tribute to the people whose work helped establish the region as a centre of aerospace excellence.
Organisers said the homecoming will help ensure the stories of those behind the aircraft continue to inspire future generations.
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