IT once could have covered the distance in a matter of minutes - but for its last trip a mighty Dassault Mirage IV is going somewhat slower.

In it’s heyday the 31-tonne bomber could reach speeds of up to Mach 2.2, but to reach its new home, it is letting the road take the strain.

And the journey of 850km from Châteaudun Airbase on the outskirts of Paris to the Yorkshire Air Museum, near York, is taking four days on the back of a series of lorries.

The aircraft has been gifted to the museum by the French Government after years of negotiations.

It is the first time that a strategic nuclear bomber has been gifted directly to an independent museum of a different nation.

It reflects the reputation of the museum, which is also the Allied Air Forces Memorial, and its close connections with the French Air Force, as the former location of the only two French heavy bomber squadrons of the Second World War.

Head of Visit York Sally Greenaway said: “This unique gift recognises the historic links and friendship between France and Britain and we’re thrilled the Mirage IV will be making its home at the Yorkshire Air Museum.”

Fully assembled, the Mirage IV measures 77ft long and 39ft wide.