Eastbourne's big summer event, the free four-day Airbourne aviation festival, is well and truly under way.

Aircraft old and new roared through the clear summer sky yesterday as thousands of delighted onlookers shielded their eyes against the sun to catch a glimpse of the spectacle.

The peace of the fine summer's day was shattered but for visitors to Airbourne there was no better sound.

They wanted to see daredevil displays of aeronautical acrobatics and the country's finest aeroplanes and that is what they got.

Thousands of people went on to the beach to browse around the many trade and food stands in between the action.

More than 200,000 people were estimated to have made it along yesterday to the first day of the festival.

Holly Raymond and sons Nathaniel, nine, and James, five, were back for a trip they have made annually from their home in Surrey for the last four years.

Mrs Raymond said: "Even when James was a baby he loved looking at the planes and the noise didn't seem to scare him.

"Now the boys are older they like looking at the more technical stuff as well. Nathaniel really likes the plane cockpits. I think it is more for the kids than adults but we always enjoy spending a day here."

Flying daredevil Denny Dobson spun and rolled his stunt plane out at sea as the crowds looked on.

But the most popular attraction, as ever, was the display by the Red Arrows. Thousands looked on as the close formation team performed unbelievable manoeuvres, leaving trails of blue and red smoke in their wake.

The coastline, from Sovereign Harbour to Beachy Head, was packed with spectators. Many more watched from towels laid out on the beach.

A few even chose to swim but stayed well within in the cordoned- off safety area.

Ron Cussons, director of tourism and leisure at Eastbourne Borough Council, said: "There are definitely more people than last year. This is our tenth anniversary and we have put in a lot of effort to make it bigger and better.

"There is more balance so it is not just an air show. Our sponsor CSMA has a magnificent motor display, especially on Saturday and Sunday, where there is about every old car you could hope to see.

"The transport system is working well. We asked people to leave their cars at home and get on trains.

"The bypass means people are ending up near the Sovereign Centre and hopping on the Dotto train or walking down the seafront to the show."

Mr Cussons said safety issues had been a key concern and meetings had been held with all the major services.

Sarah Brookes, 22, from Pevensey, was also down for the day with brother Anthony, 24.

She said: "It is nice because it is something different to do in Eastbourne. Lots of people just come to sit around and watch other things, like the dog displays and demonstrations."

Other highlights from the first day included the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight and the RAF Falcons and Hercules flypast.

On the ground, police demonstrated the skills of their police dogs and members of the RAF showed off their unarmed combat techniques.

A helicopter made laps of the town with flights from Eastbourne Miniature Steam Railway.

Children were entertained with simulator machines and the chance to sit in the cockpits of planes such as the Tornado or Harrier.

Events planned for the weekend include the Utterly Butterly wingwalkers.

A spectacular finish is planned for the last day of the festival, with a firework display at Eastbourne Pier on Sunday evening at 9.30pm.

Besides amazing pyrotechnics, fire-eaters and dancers will also entertain the crowds.