Avro Shackleton MR.2 WR963 will be transported by road from Coventry Airport to Elvington’s Yorkshire Air Museum next year.

Nicknamed ‘Ermintrude’ the 1954-built machine has been preserved by the Shackleton Aviation Group at Coventry Airport for 31 years, but a redevelopment of the airport has led to it needing a new home. Work will begin next year to disassemble the Avro for the trip north.

In a statement, the group said: “The new location had to be a strong heritage environment, and as WR963 is one of only three Shackletons left in running condition, it had to give the possibility of continuing to keep the aircraft’s engines active. This meant just a handful of locations fit the bill, but with its enviable collection of Cold War aircraft, and number of running aircraft, Yorkshire Air Museum fell at the top of the list.”

Museum spokesman Jerry Ibbotson said: “This is great news all round. WR963 has its future secured and will be kept in running condition. We receive an exciting new addition to our collection and the team at Coventry, who have worked so hard over the years, see their pride and joy being cared for in an environment where she can continue to be enjoyed by generations of enthusiasts.”