High-flying firms bring thrill of aero display to Shropshire skies
[gallery] People in Shropshire have been left amazed by acrobatic air displays and vintage aeroplanes flying overhead after an annual event in Switzerland was moved to the county.
As part of a scheme to raise money for the Ministry of Defence, RAF Shawbury has rented out part of its air space for a high flying corporate event.
Breitling watches and Bentley cars usually put on their annual Ultimate Fly-Drive Experience in the Swiss mountains but this year set up home at RAF Tern Hill, at Clive Barracks in Tern Hill near Market Drayton, instead.
To celebrate their 10-year partnership with Bentley Motors, Breitling flew retailers and distributors over from Australia, South America, Europe, Asia, South Korea and Japan.
They wanted a location that shows off the countryside and was close to the Bentley factory in Crewe.
For two weeks nearby residents have been left amazed by flying displays.
Spokeswoman for Breitling, Monika Pieren, said: "We wish to thank everyone for their support and it has been a great experience in a beautiful setting.
"Breitling's aviation heritage is linked with making the first cockpit instruments and being the official supplier to the RAF in the early 1930s and returning to an RAF base is a great fit for us.
"The event has been a great success and we hope we can come back to this area in the future."
The aerial entertainment was provided by the Breitling Wingwalkers, Breitling Angels Bi-planes and Skydiving experience while on the ground the Bentley driving challenges have put the participant's skills to the test.
Everyday the highlight was a race between a plane and a Bentley GT down the runway, with five time Le Mans winner Derek Bell commentating on the results.
The guests were flown over the English countryside to see castles, rivers and fields and were also treated to music from the pipes and drums band of the 1st Battalion the Royal Irish Regiment.
Squadron Leader Neil Hope at RAF Shawbury said: "RAF Shawbury is pleased to have been able to offer Breitling watches and Bentley cars use of the relief landing ground at Tern Hill. The deal struck between the RAF and the companies is through the wider markets scheme which promotes greater use of the military estate to allow for funds to be raised for the MOD and the units for use in infrastructure.
"This event has only previously been held in Switzerland, so we are pleased to have been able to mould our operations to allow it to be held in the UK and close enough to the Bentley factory in Crewe.
"We hope that the partnership will continue into the future."
