A HUGE military aircraft was seen flying over Bournemouth and Poole for a prolonged period.

Residents spotted the large RAF aeroplane on the afternoon of Thursday, October 20.

The aircraft's activity in the Dorset skies attracted a lot of attention online across flight tracker websites.

Bournemouth Echo: Picture by rachels_.wondersPicture by rachels_.wonders (Image: rachels_.wonders)

The C-17 Globemaster took off from Bournemouth Airport before performing multiple loops from north of Lytchett Matravers to south of Arne.

It also completed two loops eastwards over Bournemouth and eventually made its return to the runway at Hurn.

Bournemouth Echo: Stock photo of the C-17 Globemaster. Picture: PAStock photo of the C-17 Globemaster. Picture: PA (Image: PA)

An RAF spokesperson told the Daily Echo: "A RAF C-17 Globemaster from 99 Squadron, RAF Brize Norton was conducting routine training in the south of England today.

"Operating from Bournemouth airfield it conducted live airdrop training in the vicinity of Poole."