THE Red Arrows soared through the skies of Swanage – their first display in the town in four years.

Crowds gathered across the town to watch the awe-inspiring aerobatic display team perform over Swanage bay on Friday afternoon.

Against the backdrop of a clear, blue sky, the colourful jet streams could be seen for miles around as the RAF team performed jaw-dropping stunts.

Swanage Carnival organiser Becky Mack said it was "great to have them back again".

"It was absolutely amazing. They performed new display manoeuvres, and the bay is a natural amphitheatre for them.

"There were tens of thousands of people watching, and traffic has been busy. All the car parks were full."

She added: "Tomorrow will be the finale of the carnival, and it will be a great finish to a fantastic week."

Prior to their display, fans gathered at Cobham Aviation Park to watch the Hawk jets land at Bournemouth Airport.

The pilots greeted the crowd behind the fence at the airport perimeter, autographing brochures and other souvenirs.

Mike Cross said he and his wife, Brenda, loved the Red Arrows.

He added he would be watching them perform at Cowes after the Swanage display.

Peter Burton said he was a "lifelong" fan.

"I used to do all the airshows during the eighties and nineties. I've followed the Red Arrows since 1975. I'm excited to meet the pilots today."

Five-year-old Aimee was dressed in her very own Red Arrows flying coverall to celebrate meeting the team.

She is a regular spectator at the Bournemouth Air Festival.

And John Wells said he had been following the Red Arrows "since before they were red", and has met most of the pilots.

Ahead of the display, Red 3 pilot, Flight Lieutenant Dan Lowes, said: “We’re really excited to be here. The weather’s great, it’s a fantastic location and hopefully it will be well-attended. The people who organise it do a great job so if it’s well-supported, it’s going to make for a great afternoon.”