SIX vintage aircraft took to the skies above Middle Wallop recently as part of an historic aircraft open day put on by the Army Air Corps to raise awareness of the air team of three helicopters and three planes.

Volunteers pilot the historic aircraft at shows around the country throughout the summer.

But the cost of maintaining the fleet is steadily increasing and the open day took place in a bid to attract possible sponsors and those interested in hiring the aircraft.

The fleet includes three helicopters - an XT 626 Westland Scout AH Mk 1, an XR 379 Sud Aviation Alouette II and an XT 131 Agusta Bell Sioux AH Mk 1 and three planes - an XR 244 Auster AOP Mk 9, an XP 820 De Havilland Beaver AL Mk 1 and a WD 325 De Havilland Chipmunk T10.

The fleet has taken part in about a dozen air shows around the country this summer season - winning second place in the competition at the Waddington air show.