ALL eyes were on the skies as giant model aircraft wowed crowds of flight fans.

The annual Large Model Air Show at Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome was hailed a big success with good weather and a range of aircraft.

Pilots and visitors from all over the country flocked to Langford to see the model aircraft in action.

Maldon and Burnham Standard: Helicopter: model helicopter at the eventHelicopter: model helicopter at the event (Image: Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome)

Maldon and Burnham Standard: Boating: Southend Model Boat Club stallBoating: Southend Model Boat Club stall (Image: Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome)

They included internationally known flyer Rory Tooley, who has demonstrated his model aircraft handling skills across the world.

The event also boasted the Chelmsford Society of Model Engineers and their mini-traction engines, as well as Southend and Gipping Valley model clubs showing their  exhibits.

Maldon and Burnham Standard: Military: a model tank at the eventMilitary: a model tank at the event (Image: Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome)

Maldon and Burnham Standard: Plane: model plane takes to the skies at eventPlane: model plane takes to the skies at event (Image: Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome)

Visitors could also look at the site’s award-winning exhibitions and aircraft hangars.

Local brewery Datum Attitude had a stall at the event, serving their ales, lager and ciders.

Maldon and Burnham Standard: Unique: large model plane Unique: large model plane (Image: Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome)

Maldon and Burnham Standard: Stall: Datum Attitude stall at the eventStall: Datum Attitude stall at the event (Image: Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome)

The event was a fundraiser to support the work to preserve and protect the Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome site.

The aerodrome has the largest collection of Royal Flying Corps buildings in the world.

It was the base for 37 Squadron (Home Defence), Royal Flying Corps whose mission was to protect London from raids by German Zeppelin airships and Gotha heavy bombers.

Maldon and Burnham Standard: Vehicles: model enginesVehicles: model engines (Image: Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome)

The aerodrome is still an operational airfield today and supported and maintained by more than 100 volunteers.

Aerodrome boss Ian Flint, said: “The skies above Essex were once again filled with aircraft from Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome – although these aircraft were very different to the ones that have been seen flying before from the historic site over the past 100 years.

Maldon and Burnham Standard: Detailed: large model surrounded by visitorsDetailed: large model surrounded by visitors (Image: Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome)

“The event was a terrific opportunity for visitors to see some incredible models being put through their paces.

“The wonderful weather just added to the overall enjoyment and we are so grateful to the modellers and their helpers who worked so hard to make it a day to remember.”