Airshow pilots looking to 'give something back'

Pilots said they hoped they would inspire future generations to take to the skies as they soared above the crowds of the English Riviera Airshow.

The 2025 edition of the event which takes over the skies above the seafront at Paignton Green began on Friday and will continue until Sunday with thousands of spectators expected to attend.

The RAF's Red Arrows and Typhoon display teams are among those showing of their skills in the air.

Flt Lt Ollie Suckling of the Red Arrows said the team had been looking forward to performing for the crowds and he had fond memories of watching air shows as a child himself.

"I've got stuff back at home signed by the Red Arrows from my local air show when I was growing up," he said.

"It's really good to be able to give something back and think you might be talking to someone who might be in the Red Arrows in 20 or 30 years time."

Flt Lt Suckling added the display would have a lot of colour, power and noise along with a "little surprise" for the crowd.

He said: "We are painting the sky and hopefully everyone will enjoy it."

Tony and Liz Mabin from Kelly Bray in Cornwall were among the crowds of spectators looking forward to the airshow on Friday.

Before the show began Liz said: "The Red Arrows are the most important thing, we really want to see them and the location, to look out over the sea.

"I really love the Red Arrows, I think they're a fantastic display team."

Another of the pilots taking to the skies is Sqn Ldr Nathan Shawyer, from Honiton, who is flying an RAF Typhoon.

He said: "It's an immense privilege and I cannot wait to come home.

"To be back in that neck of the woods and see everyone again will be a career highlight for sure."

The airshow began at 18:00 on Friday and there were some road closures in place on Saturday and Sunday.

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