CLEAR blue skies welcomed back the 19th annual Abingdon Air and Country Show today.

It was eyes up to the skies from behind the sunglasses and sun shades for thousands of families who flocked to the annual show at former RAF Abingdon airfeld, Dalton Barracks.

Historic aircraft took flight to swoop and soar above the crowds, whizzing through the clear blue skies of Oxfordshire.

Abingdon airfield was bursting with aircraft of all shapes and sizes dating back to the First and Second World War, from miniature models to wartime classics.

This year’s event also paid tribute to the RAF in its centenary year with a static line-up of vintage aircraft including the RAF C-130 Hercules, a Spitfire Mk.26 and Tiger Moth.

More than 50 aircraft did take to the skies including the BBMF Hurricane, Spitfire and Lancaster Flypast, the Great War Display Team and Jump4Heroes Parachute Team.

Down on the ground, the flying displays were rivalled by yet more aircraft, classic car and motorbike exhibitions, plus a host of family fun.

The Fletcher family, from near Thame, went along to the air show as first timers.

Dad-of-two Clive Fletcher said: “We think the show is great and has something for everyone.

“It is the first time we have been and thought we would come along as something different for the family to do and it has been fun.

“We were looking forward to seeing the planes take flight, including the spitfire and Lancaster, and went to watch the Mangledwurzels band perform.”

Eight-year-old Amelia Fletcher added: “It’s been great fun. I liked the fairground rides best. The trampolines were my favourite.”

Elsewhere local performers, community groups and charities pitched up stalls with traditional tombolas and crafts.

In the music tent there were performances by Abingdon Rock Choir, Abingdon Concert Band and the Radio Days Big Band from Abingdon.

Providing more music were the Oxford Caledonian Pipes and Drums and Abingdon Sea Cadets Band. Abingdon Traditional Morris dancers provided more traditional entertainment.

Abingdon’s so-called Mayor of Ock Street, Harry Knight, was among the dancers. He said: “Events like this are great for us to give people the chance to see what we do. The Abingdon Air Show is a great colourful place to do that – especially on a day like today.

“It is such a wonderful show and one of the main events for Abingdon. It brings together all the reenactment and military organisations all to one lovely place.”

The show fundraises for charity each year with money put towards Thames Valley Air Ambulance.