THOUSANDS of people were at Biggin Hill today for the first day of the annual News Shopper-sponsored air fair.

The Biggin Hill International Air Fair at the former Royal Air Force base today and tomorrow is celebrating the 90th anniversary of the RAF.

One of the highlights of the first day was the first appearance in the UK of the Indian Air Force's helicopter display team - the Sarangs - distinguished by a distinctive paint scheme featuring the peacock, the Indian national bird.

The Breitling and Blades display teams also thrilled the crowds, as well as the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.

Simon Ames, director of communications at Air Displays International, which runs the air fair, said: "It has been a very good first day indeed. All those here have enjoyed a fine day's flying."

The airshow resumes tomorrow, with gates open at 9am and the flying displays starting from 11.30am.

You can buy tickets on the gate - £21 adults, £7 children 15 and under (five and under free), £45 family.

Your chance to win £100

Send your dramatic pictures and videos of the airshow for your chance to win a £100.

Each month News Shopper awards a prize for the best picture or video used on our website.

The Biggin Hill air fair is an ideal event for snapping some fantastic photos or footage.

For details of how you can send your entries from your computer or mobile phone click here

HOW BEST TO GET THERE

BY ROAD: Biggin Hill Airport is located on the A233 Bromley to Westerham Road.

The recommended route from the M25 is via Junction 4, even for traffic coming from the west, as this will avoid Westerham Hill (which is often congested). Avoid junction 5 or 6.

Motorists should be aware from 3pm the following roads will becoming one way: Westhill, North End Lane, Luxted Road, Single Street, Jail Lane, Dowding Road, Old Tye Avenue and Aperfield Road.

BY RAIL: The nearest railway stations are Bromley South, East Croydon and West Croydon. A bus service will operate from these stations.

BY BUS: From Bromley South station take bus 320.

From East Croydon station take bus 119 to Coney Hall Road and change to bus 246 to Biggin Hill Airport.

Alternatively take a tram to New Addington and then from bus stop C take bus 464 to Biggin Hill Black Horse.

A special express bus service 800 will also be running every 30 minutes from Croydon to the airshow.

  • There are currently delays on the A233 Main Road both ways and other approach roads around Biggin Hill due to the airshow taking place.