THESE stunning pictures taken from inside a historic blimp as it soared over the South Coast give a glimpse of Brighton from above.

For the first time in over 10 years, the Goodyear blimp returned to the UK as it flew over Sussex on its journey from Calais yesterday.

It is known throughout the world for providing aerial coverage of the most-watched events in sports and entertainment, ranging from FA Cup Finals at Wembley to Live Aid.

The blimp's appearance on a cloudless Thursday afternoon gave residents the chance to snap the aircraft as it made its way along the coast.

However, it also provided stunning views for those lucky enough to hitch a ride in the airship.

Pictures taken by German Aviation Editor Jürgen Schelling from inside the cockpit as it soared over Brighton shows the city basking in the summer sun, while residents continue about daily life.

Fourteen guests can be accommodated in the airship, with two seats on the flight deck for the pilot and attendant.

The Goodyear Blimp is 82 yards long (246 feet) - the equivalent of nearly 17 of London’s famous black cabs.

The airship’s envelope is packed with 297,527 cubic feet of helium and its capacity could hold the equivalent of 207 million golf balls or 3.5 Olympic-sized swimming pools.

One passerby told The Argus: "I was on the bus and I spotted the airship, I couldn’t believe it, I think there are only 20 of these still working on the world.

“You’d expect to see some big ships by the port, but not a massive airship. It’s really cool to see.”

Pictures show the blimp over Brighton Racecourse, the i360 and the Palace Pier before it made its way to Worthing.

From there, it flew to Portsmouth and Southampton, before heading inland over Winchester, Horsham, Royal Tunbridge Wells and finally Dover.