After seeing his hopes of becoming a Seagull cruelly shot down, pilot Steve Cullen has risen to new heights with a triumphant homecoming at one of the most spectacular events in Sussex.

Airbourne 2000 was off to a soaraway start yesterday as thousands flocked to Eastbourne seafront to see a dazzling array of aerial displays, from high-tech jet manoeuvres to classic wartime flypasts.

Among the daredevils taking to the skies was one RAF pilot whose flying career was brought full circle by the event.

Flight Lieutenant Steve Cullen was a teenage Air Cadet when he first experienced his home town's annual air show.

When a broken leg ended his hopes of a career in professional football, the former Albion youth team player was forced to make do with his second dream - becoming a pilot.

Now 34, Steve is assigned to piloting the RAF's Chinook helicopter, providing back-up to the British Army.

He said: "It's nowhere near as glamorous as it might sound - it's not Top Gun or anything like that.

"There's a lot of hard work and a lot of time away from home and away from your family.

"But on days like this, when the weather's good and you are speeding along the coast with the window open, there is nothing to beat it."

Steve's mother and father are down to see their son over the four days of Airbourne, which ends on Sunday.

It is no coincidence the former Roselands Grammar School pupil is among the pilots taking to the air.

He said: "When I heard this was coming up I immediately volunteered.

"It's great to be back in Eastbourne and to see my friends and family."

Steve is now based at RAF Odiham, in Hampshire, in between flying missions all over the world.

He stills follows the fortunes of the Seagulls and can only reflect on what might have been if his fledgling football career had taken off.

He said: "I have no regrets. It's a good life being a pilot."

Steve recently saw action in Bosnia, where he was one of many pilots ferrying weapons and equipment to soldiers.

By contrast, yesterday he entertained an audience of thousands as he put a Gazelle helicopter through its paces.

Joining him in the skies was a B17 Flying Fortress, used in the Hollywood blockbuster Memphis Belle, and modern Jaguar and Tornado jets.

The action was set to continue today with flypasts by a Chinook, F16 fighter, Harrier jump-jet and many more.

Among the weekend highlights are two displays by the Red Arrows.

There is plenty to do on the ground between flights, with children's rides, arena shows, military displays and a chance to get a rare pilot's view of a fighter aircraft.

The Winter Garden is the venue for a classic car exhibition, which is organised by Airbourne sponsors The Civil Service Motoring Association.

Among the exhibits is the super-powered Sunbeam car which held the land-speed record in 1927.

A madcap birdman rally takes place on Eastbourne Pier on Sunday, followed later by a huge fireworks display which will provide a suitably spectacular end to Airbourne.

The event is expected to attract half a million people over the four days and police are warning motorists they should use specified car parks only.

A full programme of Airbourne events can be obtained from seafront outlets and tourist information centres.