NEARLY 40 years ago it started off as a small community show.

Now support for this Royal Navy staged action packed summer extravaganza is as wide as the ocean.

Over the years, thousands of fun seekers have been steering a course to the HMS Sultan summer show off Military Road, Gosport. And they come from miles around.

This year was no exception and organisers were expecting visitor figures to soar past the 25,000.

The Navy show also had special significance this year coinciding with the 25th anniversary of the Falklands War. And this historic military theme was reflected in some of the displays which covered two arenas.

New attractions included the UKFMX freestyle motocross stunt team, which kept the crowd spellbound as they performed a programme of airborne tricks, and the Chariots of Fire display team.

The popular Royal Navy Raiders parachute team also dropped in.

In past years the HMS Sultan show has raised more than £100,000 for charity.

FOR MORE COVERAGE AND PICTURES OF THE EVENT SEE TODAY'S DAILY ECHO