A CHINOOK has been spotted flying low above a beach while completing "essential training".

Stunning images show the helicopter flying into the sunset above Holywell beach in Eastbourne yesterday afternoon.

Sue Clarke, who snapped the aircraft said she could "hear it" before she could see it.

The tandem-rotor helicopter provides heavy lift support and transport across all branches of the British armed forces.

Ms Clarke, who lives in Eastbourne said: "They often fly past and I've seen them before.

The Argus: The chinook was spotted in EastbourneThe chinook was spotted in Eastbourne

"You can hear it long before you see it.

"I was just lucky that I was out taking pics of the sky and the light at the time."

According to the RAF, it was "completing essential routine operational training along the South Coast".

The Argus: It was conducting 'essential training'It was conducting 'essential training'

A spokesman said: "A seven squadron Chinook from RAF Odiham was completing essential routine operational training along the South Coast in the Eastbourne area."

It comes months after a pair of attack helicopters were caught on camera landing at Brighton City Airport as part of an army training exercise.