City airshow is hailed a success

The airshow featured classic aircraft

Organisers of the Sunderland International Airshow have hailed this year's event as a resounding success.

Sunderland City Council said the fine weather helped to attract hundreds of thousands of people to the annual event along the city's seafront.

The 19th weekend airshow saw visitors treated to displays featuring modern and classic aircraft.

Police said the event was "very busy", but reported no serious incidents or significant arrests.

Supt Ron Ardsley of Northumbria Police said: "Once again the crowds have turned out for the airshow and it has been as busy as ever.

Carbon neutral

"Sunday, in particular was extremely busy due to the fact that crowd favourites, the Red Arrows were appearing on that day only."

Crowds also saw the Eurofighter Typhoon, a Chinook helicopter, a Battle of Britain Memorial Flight and Catalina and the Blades.

HMS Albion provided a backdrop out at sea and in a first for the show, the Royal Marines from the vessel treated the crowds to a spectacular beach invasion.

Air show director Peter Chapman, said: "As the event is free, it's very difficult to put an absolute figure on how many people have attended. Saturday was busy and Sunday drew in bumper crowds.

"People come to the airshow from all over the country and abroad and once again it will have had a huge impact on the city and region's economy."

This year sees the first carbon-neutral event, according to organisers.

Sunderland City Council has pledged to insulate 30 homes in the city to offset the estimated 400 tonnes of carbon dioxide produced.