Eastbourne International Airshow enjoyed one of its busiest years to date, with hundreds of thousands flocking to the event despite the weather.

Crowds of around 800,000 attended the four days of the show, which finished on Sunday to see a host of fighter planes and enjoy music from the likes of Abba Forever.

While Hurricanes and Spitfires took centre stage on the Thursday, it was the fast jets which stole the show, with displays from the RAF Eurofighter Typhoon, F16s and the RAF Red Arrows.

RAF veterans were among the visitors, including the UK's oldest man, Henry Allingham, from Eastbourne, and Squadron Leader Dennis Whitby, who was instrumental in developing the Red Arrows' coloured smoke in the sixties.

Councillor David Elkin, Eastbourne Borough Council's tourism spokesman, said: "We've worked hard this year to continue moving the event forward and have not only exceeded our sponsorship target, but have attracted more international displays than ever before, and further improved the organisation, from park-and-ride provision to additional toilet facilities.

"Planning for 2007 starts right now and we look forward to an even better year next year."

The show came to a close with music from the Band of the Royal Air Force Regiment, a twilight fly-past from a Spitfire and Harrier and 8,500 fireworks.

The airshow returns next year from August 16 to August 19.

For information on next year's event, visit www.eastbourneairshow.com