A record crowd gathered for the Seething Charity Air Day this afternoon as clear blue skies and bright sunshine brought out thousands of spectators.

There were fears that visitors would have to be turned away but organisers were able to allow everyone in who wanted to see the show, as an estimated 5,000 turned out to enjoy the feast of flying at the former second world war airfield.

More than 90 years of aeronautical history was celebrated in the skies, while classic cars, military vehicles, charity stalls, the Control Tower Museum and a demonstration from the fire service all provided further entertainment at the EDP-backed event near Loddon.

David Smith, of the organising committee, said: 'It really has been a fantastic day. We almost reached capacity which is great and the weather has been perfect.

'We started with the Spitfires which are always well received, and I really enjoyed the Great War Display Team, as I had never seen that before.'

Among the air displays were The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Spitfire flypast, The Grace Spitfire and Great War Display Team, with aerobatics from The Wildcats, The Edge and the TRIG team.

Flying the Old Buckenham-based Wildcat Aerobatics were Willie Cruickshank and Al Coutts.

Mr Cruickshank said: 'This is an event we look to support every year, anything we can do to help keep an ex-world war two airfield going.'

He said that the conditions were so clear that they could see as far as The Wash and the Thames Estuary shortly after take off.

Among the families enjoying the entertainment were Paul Timson, 40, and his six-year-old son Matthew, from Talcolneston, near Wymondham.

Mr Timson said: 'It is the first time we have been here and its been a really lovely day. My little boy is really keen on Spitfires and loves airshows.'

Others enjoying the show were Sarah and Adam Heatley with their daughter Georganna, seven, and son Harry, seven, all from Colney, in Norwich.

Mrs Heatley said: 'We came last weekend to the open day and made plans then to come today to see the show and it has been a great day.'

She added that as well as enjoying the show, her children were learning about history.

The event was raising money for the East Anglian Air Ambulance and St John Ambulance.

In the past more than �10,000 has been raised for the East Anglian Air Ambulance.