HUNDREDS of people were treated to a spectacular flypast from planes including a Spitfire and the Red Arrows at an event to mark 70 years since RAF Fairlop was used during the Second World War.

The event at Fairlop Waters, last Saturday, was organised by The Fairlop Heritage Group and attended by around 500 people, including 90-year-old war veteran Harold Bennett who was the first Spitfire pilot to fly out of Fairlop back in 1941.

Mr Bennett was shot down over the Channel a month later and spent the rest of World War Two as a prisoner of war.

Fairlop Heritage Group Chairman David Martin said: “We organised the flypast because it’s 70 years since the airfield became operational. It was also The Queen’s birthday of course.

“As well as the Spitfire and the Red Arrows, we had a Lancaster Bomber, a Hurricane, Typhoons, Hercules and Tornados.

“I think the crowds were amazed by it all. There was lots of cheering, clapping and flag waving. It was an incredible day.”

Visitors to the flypast also had the opportunity to learn more about the history of RAF Fairlop and Fairlop Waters in a special exhibition which was organised as part of the day.

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