Thousands enjoy spectacular scenes at RAF Cosford Air Show

More than 50,000 people turned out again in largely glorious sunshine, bar a couple of late afternoon downpours, to enjoy a day of displays both on the ground and in the air.

The Red Arrows – the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team – was again a big draw for most, with the distinctive red planes performing a number of eye-catching manoeuvres in the skies.

But there was an equally strong supporting cast.

Appearing at the show for the first time ever – after getting eleventh hour clearance from the authorities – was the Belgian Air Force Red Devils.

Reformed in 2011, the four-man team took to the skies in eye-catching red planes with the Belgian flag on the underside of the crafts.

Air Show spokesman Group Captain Mark Manwaring, who is chairman of the show's flying control committee, said he was delighted to get them on board.

He said: "This is a fantastic display with some very exciting manoeuvres.

"As it was their first UK display this season it fell to us to ensure it adhered to the strict rules applied to UK air display."

Opening the flying display yesterday in spectacular fashion were the RAF Falcons parachute display team.

The six-strong team drew gasps from the crowd as they jumped from a plane, twisting and turning to the ground in an eye-catching synchronised formation leaving different coloured plumes of smoke in their wake.

The Breitling Wing Walkers were also popular as the girls balanced on the edges of the distinctive orange Boeing Stearman biplanes.

Spitfires took to the skies as did the country's only remaining Vulcan, always a big draw at the show.

And to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the start of World War One, there was a special flying section of replica planes from the Great War.