Thousands of flight enthusiasts headed for the biggest ever Abingdon Air and Country Show today.

The eighth annual show took place at the Dalton Barracks airfield, and featured a three-hour flying display in the afternoon.

Guest of honour to open the show was pilot Polly Vacher, from North Moreton, near Didcot, who flew around the world in her single-engine Piper Dakota in record time.

There was nostalgia in the form of a World War Two Spitfire, a Messerschmit ME108, a 1950s Pembroke aircraft, Jet Provost and Hawker Hunter jets.

Modern-day RAF aircraft included Tutor and Tucano trainers, Merlin and Chinook helicopters and the Hawk jet.

The world-famous Army Air Corps Blue Eagles Helicopter Display team also demonstrated precision flying in the show's big finalé.

Chris Toole, from Princes Risborough, visited the show with his wife Jane and son Mike, 10.

He said: "The weather was really overcast in the morning but then it brightened up, just like last year, which was perfect for watching the flying displays.

"Mike likes taking photographs here, and there are some really interesting static displays."

Jo Cormier, 65, from Didcot, visited the Abingdon Mini Owners Club display to look at some vintage Mini cars.

She said: "I learnt to drive in one of these so it's interesting to have a look."

Ronald Howes, 76, of Colne Close, Grove, was at the show with his wife Joan, and grandson Harry, nine.

Mr Howes, who fought in the Suez conflict with the Royal Fusiliers City of London regiment, had a look at military equipment on display.

He said: "Harry's got his camera and there is lots to see here - it's a good day out."

On the ground, there were more than 70 static displays, including jets, helicopters, transport and aerobatic aircraft. These included a Royal Navy Merlin helicopter, C47 Dakota transport, BAC Strikemaster, DeHavilland Dove, YAK52, Twin Pioneer and Hornet Moths.

The Abingdon MG Car Works Centre staged a gathering of old and new MG cars, and there were many other vintage and classic vehicles on show, including restored fire engines and police cars.

Proceeds from the show are going towards the Thames Valley and Chiltern Air Ambulance service, which is based at RAF Benson near Wallingford.

The show paves the way for a two-day event on the same site at the end of the month.

The Spirit of Adventure takes place on May 26 and May 27, and is one of the RAF's biggest events.