An aerodrome played host to nine First World War replica planes for the first time in 100 years.

Stow Maries Aerodrome, Hackmans Lane, Purleigh, hosted the rare planes as they were performing displays at the South Essex Armed Forces Day last weekend.

The planes were the largest collection of First World War aircraft to be together at Stow Maries since the beginning of the war, in 1914.

They included the rare BE2c, a single-engine two-seat biplane, for the show by the Great War Display Team at Barleylands Farm Park, Billericay.

Russell Savory, owner of the aerodrome, said: “It was fantastic seeing them all come in and it was great to see them all together.

“The sight and sound of all nine aircraft taking off and flying over the aerodrome was immensely poignant.

“It was a really good day and the weather was kind to us.”