A P-51 Mustang (left) and Spitfire MkIX perform at the Old Buckenham Airshow.

The return of a popular Norfolk airshow went off with a bang yesterday as a heavy thunder shower rumbled through in the morning.

But in true British fashion, the adverse weather did not deter thousands of visitors who donned Wellington boots for the chance to see flying displays by vintage aircraft at Old Buckenham Airshow.

And the sun soon appeared from behind the clouds to greet the stars of the show, a Spitfire and Mustang duo from Duxford-based Old Flying Machine Company, which thrilled the crowds by flying low overhead and sometimes within feet of each other.

The Supermarine Spitfire Mk IXB MH434 was originally tested by Alex Henshaw, a record breaking pilot in pre war days and flew 79 operational sorties during her military career.

Ferocious Frankie, the North American Mustang P51-D, served at various airfields in England during the war, before being operated by the Royal Canadian Airforce until 1957. She has starred in Memphis Belle, Empire of the Sun, Saving Private Ryan, Sam’s Circus and Hart’s War.

But there were many other historic aircraft at the show, sponsored by SG Wealth Management Ltd, to keep spectators entertained including the world’s largest biplane, the Russian Antonov AN2, a Jet Provost T5 used by the RAF from 1970-1993 and a display by Wildcat Aerobatics in their Pitts biplanes.

Aside from the aircraft, there were also displays of classic cars and vintage agricultural machinery, as well as 150 military vehicles and a fairground for the children.

The show, which did not take place last year due to a change of management at the second world war Old Buckenham airfield, continued to raise money for East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices.

Matt Wilkins, the airfield manager, said: “It has been absolutely brilliant. The weather was not kind with us this morning, but everyone has turned out to support the event and we are very grateful.”

For more pictures from both events log on to www.edp24.co.uk