Thousands flock to RAF Cosford for annual Large Model Air Show

About 10,000 spectators, modellers and aviation fans packed into RAF Cosford for the annual Large Model Air Show.

The rally took place at the RAF museum on Saturday and Sunday, with flying displays on both days.

Modellers travelled from all over the world to show off their skills and impressive model aeroplanes - some of which can reach speeds of up to 200mph.

Bill Grimsley, from Glasgow, said the show in Shifnal is always a highlight of the model air show calendar.

He said: "I've been coming here for the last 10 plus years and it's always a great day out. It's a way of life for me. It's big boys and their big toys but we love it.

"This year I'd say there are about 150 planes being flown, everything from First World War and Second World War planes, to bombers, hawks and jets.

"Some of them can take about 12 months to build and can cost thousands of pounds. People generally start small, on something that costs just a couple of pounds, up to planes that can cost upwards of £10,000."

Pilots must undergo intense training and testing before they are awarded a license, and have to reach a certain level before they can fly at shows.

Bill added: "A lot of us are full size aircraft pilots as well, but flying a model aircraft is actually more challenging. It's all hand eye co-ordination and they're a lot more powerful than a full size plane.

"It takes about three months to learn and it's not easy."

Award-winning Steve and Matt Bishop, from Madeley, were at the show with their Red Arrow hawks.

They wowed the crowd with their routine to music which left trails of the iconic red, white and blue smoke in the sky.

Steve said: "We fly them all over the world and have even flown with the Red Arrows team themselves. In two weeks we're going to Germany for a competition.

His son, Matt, added: "I love the crowd satisfaction. You can hear everyone clapping and cheering, so it's a really great feeling."