CELEBRATIONS to mark the 60th anniversary of VE Day got off to a flying start in County Durham this weekend as a number of wartime planes took the skies again.

A rare Spitfire Mk 9, an Isaacs Fury and a Pitts Special were some of the planes on show at Fishburn Airfield on Saturday.

The celebrations, attended by hundreds of visitors, were arranged by Fishburn Aero Club.

Nick Lyons, from the club, said: "The day went very well indeed, far above our expectations. We estimate we had several hundred people who enjoyed the day's activities, including a lot of veterans who were able to relive their experiences by watching the magnificent Spitfire."

As well as the planes, there were also various military vehicles on show, plus an exhibition from Geoff Hill and a display from local youngsters.

The show was funded by the Big Lottery Home Front Recall.