Cobalt blue skies came alive as more than 650,000 people gazed in awe at an airshow spectacular.

Eastbourne's hotels, restaurants and pubs thrived as visitors flocked to the four-day Airbourne 2002, which ended on Sunday.

A fireworks display off Eastbourne Pier yesterday brought to a close the show, which broke all records on its 10th anniversary.

Organisers today said more than £3 million was generated for the town as visitors from across Britain came to the coast.

Mediterranean-type temperatures of up to 75F (24C) helped attract huge crowds to watch a vast array of planes and helicopters.

The elite Red Arrows team streamed across the unblemished skies on each day, leaving coloured smoke trails.

Europe's only wingwalkers performed acrobatics from a safety harness while a Belgian F16 military jet also roared overhead.

On the ground, dozens of classic and historic vehicles paraded from the Sovereign Centre to Wilmington Square on Saturday and Sunday.

Other highlights included Red Arrows and Eurofighter simulator flights, a children's zone on the beach featuring a bouncy castle as well as rides and helicopter pleasure flights.

Father-of-two Keith Waldegrave, 39, said: "The show had it all.

"Beautiful weather, great attractions and lots to entertain the kids."

At one point the seafront road was packed bumper to bumper with vehicles.

The pier was packed, as were ice cream stalls, fish and chip shops and all hotels in the resort.