Gallery: Large Model Aircraft Rally at RAF Cosford

Enthusiasts from around the world descended on the region for what has become one of the biggest dates in the museum's calendar.

People from as far afield as Germany and Italy were among the thousands of visitors who attended the Large Model Aircraft Rally, a two-day event which is the UK-based Large Model Association's premiere air show.

Crowds were entertained with pyrotechnic displays and mid-air dog fights, as well as the static line-ups.

There was also expert commentary telling people key facts about the aircraft in the air and a wide range of stalls.

This year's flying theme commemorated the 80th anniversary of the first flight of the Supermarine Spitfire, the iconic Battle of Britain aircraft from the Second World War. Cosford is home to the world's oldest surviving example of its type.

Ian Jones, a member of the Large Model Association, said: "The event has gone very well.

"The clouds did threaten to ruin the day on Saturday, but the rain held off and there were only a few light showers.

"A lot of people came to see the model aircraft and there were also lots of people showing them.

"People came from Belgium, Spain and Germany, as well as throughout the rest of the UK. It is well and truly an international show.

"We are very pleased with the turnout and glad it all went so well."

Aircraft at the show were all designed and built by members of the Large Model Association, who have dedicated years into making sure that they are a perfect replica of the real thing.

Mr Jones added: "We have some model aircraft here which are worth thousands of pounds.

"The most expensive is probably one worth £30,000."

Aircraft from the early days of aviation through to the modern jets of today featured in the displays, with models on show ranging in size from small-scale aircraft to larger model planes.

There were also more than 50 exhibitors to showcase some of the latest model kits and aviation accessories as well as a children's entertainment area, packed with bouncy castles and inflatable slides.

One exhibitor, Matt Eccles, trade stand manager at the Large Model Association, said some people spent years creating their model aircraft.

He said: "It is still a very popular hobby. We have more than 1,000 members across the UK.

"RAF Cosford is certainly our biggest show and it is very good. It's a great day out for the family and for enthusiasts from all over the country."

Sam Beavan, aged 18, headed to the event with his father Jim. Sam, from Telford, said he loved watching the planes fly and race each other. He said: "I have just started getting into model aircraft because my dad is a fan. We love going to these shows so it is great there is one close to home."

This weekend RAF Cosford will host the annual Cosford Food Festival.

This year's event, on Saturday and Sunday, is packed with more than 90 local food and drink producers, a busy line-up on the cooking demonstration stage and live performances from the Cosford and Shawbury Military Wives Choir.

There will be plenty of delicious food for visitors to the show to buy and enjoy at the festival, with flavours from around the world as well as a wide choice of locally brewed beverages to accompany the great food on offer.

Visitors can also sit back and relax with a drink in hand courtesy of the Champavan which will have champagne and prosecco flowing from its VW campervan,

The festival will run from 10am until 5pm and admission is £5 per adult, with family rates also available.

For further information about the Large Model Association, go to the website here or call 01902 376200.

And for more details on the food festival, click here