THE Kemble Air Day got off to a flying start when it celebrated 40 years of the Red Arrows.

The RAF Aerobatic Team formed in 1964 and this is its 40th display season leading up to the anniversary, in in May 2005, of its first public display.

RAF Kemble was home to the team from 1968 to 1983 and Delta jets now operate from the former Red Arrows' hangars.

The Kemble Air Day brought the best examples of vintage jets and warbirds together at one airfield along with modern RAF aircraft.

Kemble Airfield was selected as one of only six shows in the UK that will officially celebrate the Red Arrows anniversary. Kemble also hosted the Red Arrows reunion at the show.

Nearly 20,000 people watched a three and a half hour flying display on June 20. Helicopter pleasure flights were also available throughout the day and ground attractions included static aircraft, trade stands and exhibitions, a vintage vehicle display, a military vehicle display, refreshments and a fun fair.

Kemble was also the only UK venue for the Red Bull Air Race, a spectacular race put together by Steve Jones and Paul Bonhomme of Matadors fame, along with four other top aerobatic specialists. It involved a race against the clock with each pilot flying individually around a course and between frangible obstacles.

Visitors were also able to watch the speed and skill of the Harrier, Tornado, Jaguar and Hawk jet pilots.

The Utterly Butterly barnstormers wowed the crowds with their daring aerobatics on top of the biplanes.

The show also included a display by Fouga Magister aircraft especially sent by the Belgian Air Force. The RAF Falcons parachute team also dropped in from their base at Brize Norton.

Nick Bullough from Hullavington said the day was great fun. "It was a good show, pity about the showers, however the air race made up for it," he said.

Karen Gray travelled from Essex to see the show and was extremely impressed. She said: "It was well organised with minimum delays and a brilliant display that even that rain couldn't dampen."