THE opening day of the Bournemouth Air Festival has been hailed a huge success - one of the best in the event's nine year history.

Estimated numbers for day one, which was helped by sizzling temperatures and crystal clear skies, were around 187,000 organisers say.

Festival director Jon Weaver told the Daily Echo: "It has been a lovely day and even the sun has made an appearance. It is definitely one of the best Thursdays that we've had in the history of the festival and we're so pleased that everyone came down to support the event."

It was officially launched at the Highcliff Marriot Hotel, St Michal's Road, in a ceremony that included the Royal Marines Band Collingwood, a flypast the Royal Navy's Black Cats helicopter display team, and even ceremonial army cannon fire.

Fearless pensioner Dawn Goodson helped get the afternoon's flying programme underway, with a daring wing walk on a specially-adapted biplane.

Dawn, who is raising funds for the Motor Neurone Disease Association, completed the wingwalk in memory of hubby, John, who passed away from the disease last year.

Loud cheers rang across East Overcliff, which like the beach below was packed with spectators, when the 85-year-old came into view.

But the loudest cheers of the day were undoubtedly for the Royal Air Forces's (RAF) Red Arrows aerobatics team, who were the last aircraft display to take to the skies.

Impressive manoeuvres such as the 'Revolution', the 'Python' and the 'Goose' had even those lounging on the beach jumping to their feet in appreciation.

One special manoeuvre - The Apollo - was even named in honour of British astronaut Tim Peake.

Earlier in the day spectators were treated to skilled displays from the Fireflies aerobatic team, the Black Cats, the Swiss Air Force's Puma helicopter display team and the Blades aerobatic team.

Mr Weaver said: "We were treated to some great displays - in particular, the international team flying the Swiss Super Pumas, the crowd-pleasing historic flights and, of course, the Red Arrows who we are proud to welcome back at 3.45pm each day."

Stunt pilot Gerald Cooper, in his Xtreme Air XA41 aircraft even performed some sky typing - using display smoke to paint a smiley face in the sky.

And there was even a couple of bonus flights, including a display by the Royal Navy Historic Flight's Swordfish. This biplane torpedo bomber, although technically obsolete at the outbreak or World War II, remained in frontline service until VE Day.

There were audible gasps from the crowds when the RAF's Battle of Britain Memorial Flight thundered overhead - these mighty machines, which helped win the Second World War, proved an inspiring sight.

It was very much the same mood for Sally B, the last remaining airworthy B-17 bomber in Europe.

The British Army's Tigers Parachute Team, who landed on Bournemouth beach with pinpoint accuracy, rounded off the afternoon's displays.

See all our Air Festival coverage in our dedicated section at bournemouthecho.co.uk/air