About 100,000 people stared spellbound at the skies above the English Channel as the Red Arrows performed another spectacular display.

The Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team gave an aerial display over Folkestone today to coincide with Armed Forces Day.

It is the iconic group's second show in the town in as many years after thousands descended on the Leas last summer to witness their first performance in the town in four years.

Onlooker Kevin Shade said: "It was fantastic. I'm ex-forced and we support every Armed Forces Day.

"They're so important because the younger generations need to learn about the wars we've fought, it's when you stop talking about it that it happens again.

"The air show was cracking and it all makes you proud to be British."

Tim Martin, 67, from Folkestone said the day was "brilliant, entertaining, a bit too warm".

He said: "It was a wonderful display. It's a big thing for Folkestone and I really hope they keep doing it.

"It was just excellent. I thought it was amazing - keep it going."

He added: "Plenty of toilets too, which is very important for the day."

Roy Mountford, 75, also from Folkestone, said: "This is the sort of thing that can improve Folkestone and it's great for the town.

"It's a really great airshow and there was absolutely nothing to complain about - it's all positive as far as I'm concerned. It's the best free show that Folkestone has."

Another fan, Tom Bishop tweeted: "Always feel like a kid at Christmas when I see the Red Arrows. Such a fantastic aerobatic display this year (as always!) that I only managed to snap one pic, I was that in awe!"

Keith Slater, 54, from New Romney, added: "It was brilliant.

"I always watch the Red Arrows when I can, as it brings back lots of memories.

"My parents are no longer around but every summer they used to bring me down from London to Broadstairs to watch the Red Arrows displays.

"I always follow them, even now I'm 54, and whenever they come over it brings a tear to my eye. It was real treat to be here today."

Mick Goodchild, 73, an ex-submariner from Guildford, said: "The Red Arrows were fantastic - definitely up to scratch.

"It was a beautiful day so visibility was perfect.

"I've seen them several times but I'd say this one really took the top prize.

"We've been here many times and enjoy it immensely. What they're doing with it, I do approve."

This year marks the 11th annual Armed Forces Community Fun Day and also included parachute regiments and memorial aircraft.

It included people like Steve Shaw, who used the free event to cut off all his hair to raise money for charity.

Mayor of Folkestone Jackie Mead said: "Steve raises huge amounts of money for various charities and he's been growing his beard and hair for months - it's been driving him crazy.

"He's raised over £100k over the years and he's one of the town's unsung heroes."

Nadine Beal from Ashford said: "It's good, very hot but you can't complain.

"There's a lot of people here and the local businesses must be having a great day.

"It's nice just to be out doing something different on a Sunday.

"It's got people out and may encourage people to come here a bit more."

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