172,000 spectators at the first day of the Lowestoft Seafront Air Festival have been entertained by several spectacular displays today - even though there have been some cancellations.

People have been thronging the sea front for the town's 15th air show with festival regulars picking their places from early in the morning.

The day started off brightly but by 1.30pm there were low clouds and rain - but nothing to compared to last year's bad weather which caused a �40,000 loss for air show organisers.

However the weather started to brighten up by 3.30pm.

People gasped in amazement at the aerial antics of a Grob Tutor, the Tigers parachute display team and a Messerschmitt BF 108.

However there was disappointment for the large crowd as a fly past by a RAF Tornado from RAF Marham was cancelled due to a fuel leak.

And a further display by a RAF Sea King search and rescue helicopter were cancelled as they were called out to emergencies.

Bad weather caused the cancellation of a P51 Mustang as it could not leave its base due to the conditions.

Asa Morrison, Waveney District Council's culture, tourism, sport and leisure development, said he hoped 200,000 people would turn up at tomorrow's air displays as the weather forecast was much better.

Mr Morrison said the air show relied on people showing their support by turning out in large numbers.

The suggested entrance donation fee for tomorrow is �3 to help cover the show's �300,000 running costs.

See tomorrow's EDP for a full report with photographs.