Organisers of this year’s Culdrose Air Day could not have asked for better weather today, as the sunshine drew in the crowds.

After the grey clouds and drizzle of recent years’ events, it must have been a relief when this morning dawned dry – and continued to improve.

Falmouth Packet:

Harrison Hart and Finley Sharp from Penzance explore the camouflage netting 

As the crowds filled the Helston air base for its annual open day they were rewarded with outbreaks of sunshine, and by the time the main air display began at 1pm there were blue skies across the board.

The main draw of the day was the Vulcan, the ex RAF bomber used between 1956 and 1984, renowned for its powerful jets. The crowds were delighted as it let out its trademark deafening roar, making three or four passes of the airfield.

Falmouth Packet:

The Vulcan in action

Other highlights of the flying programme included the World War Two Spitfire and Hurricane vintage aeroplanes, and the Army Lynx helicopter that performed jaw dropping backflips and vertical descents.

Falmouth Packet:

The Dutch B52 takes off for its display

Aside from the flying, there was also plenty visitors could enjoy on the ground, with three hangars filled with activities. Children could be winched high in the air to a raised static helicopter, try on different pieces of flying gear and even sit in the cockpit of a number of static aircraft.

Other displays showed the work of the different squadrons in the Royal Navy, with charitable organisations and local businesses invited in to show off their work.

Falmouth Packet:

Jessica and Jack climbe aboard a Royal Logistics Corps vehicle