A HEARTFELT tribute was paid at Clacton Airshow to victims of the tragic plane crash at Shoreham.

Clacton’s airshow was the first major flying event to take place since Saturday’s horrific disaster in West Sussex, where a Hawker Hunter jet exploded in a fireball on the A27, killing 11 people.

Despite cloudy weather about 100,000 flight fanatics turned out for the first day of the two-day air show, based at Clacton’s West Greensward.

Peter McNamara, airshow commentator, paid tribute to those who died in Shoreham.

He said: “Like those behind the organisation of this show, the team in Shoreham were looking forward to a memorable day enjoyed by large crowds of spectators.

“However, this all changed in a flash when the Hawk Hunter crashed onto the A27 whil performing its aerobatic display.

“Our thoughts go out to the family and friends who lost loved ones that day as well as those who were affected in any way by this accident.

“We also send our heartfelt respects and prayers to the residents of Shoreham and their airshow organisers who have endured a very difficult and distressing time since Saturday.”

Mr McNamara added that despite looking forward to the flying programme in Clacton, the events in Shoreham would not be forgotten.

Following the tribute there was a poignant minute's silence.

The Civil Aviation Authority has banned vintage jets from carrying out high-energy acrobatics at airshows over land following the distaster in Shoreham, but this did not affect Clacton’s show which takes place over the sea.

Despite questions over whether the event should go ahead, airshow visitors turned out in force.

Richard Warner, of Bromley Road, Colchester, said: “This is the first time I have ever visited the show. I think it was definitely right to go ahead with it.

“I feel sorry for the people who died – it must have been horrendous – but airshows have been taking place for many many years."
 

Highlights on the first day of the two-day event included the RAF Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, the RAF Chinook, the Sally B, the Red Arrows, the MiG fighter jet, the Vulcan and the RAF Typhoon. 

Neil Stock, leader of Tendring Council, which runs the show, said the event is a massive boost, bringing in an estimated £5.5million for the district’s economy.

“Clacton Air Show is probably now the biggest and best air show in the country,” he said.

“It is not only a fantastic event and lifts morale, but it is also economically and emotionally important - people are proud to see it flying overhead.

“Some have said it should have been cancelled this year, but a knee-jerk reaction to a tragic accident is never a good thing

“What happened in Shoreham was shocking and our thoughts are with everyone affected by the horrific crash.”

Eric Hookings, 91, from Copford, turned out to watch the Battle of Britain Memeorial Flight, which this year only included the Spitfire and the Hurricane as the Lancaster is undergoing repairs.

The Second World War Lancaster pilot said: “I was in Bomber Command and a pilot in 619 squadron.

“It is a pleasure to see people take the time to stop and think about what we did during the war.

“We were all young and excitable during the war, but we knew we had a major job to do.

“I’m one of the lucky ones, but I will be going to the memorial in Lincoln next month to remember all the boys who didn’t come back.

“I always come to see the air show – it brings back fantastic memories.”

Young flight fan Taylor Wright, eight, from Frinton, was more impressed by the Chinook helicopter and the Red Arrows.

“I loved the Red Arrows – I enjoyed seeing the coloured smoke,” he said.

“I was really looking forward to seeing them as I’d been in the simulator beforehand. I also liked seeing the Chinook – it was big but moved around so quickly.”