The familiar sight and sound of a Spitfire was among planes heard over the Shotley peninsula today.

Arguably our most distinctive warplane ever, joined a fly past over Merville Barracks in Colchester at lunchtime today as Prince Charles took the salute in his role as Colonel in Chief of the Parachute Regiment.

The Prince of Wales was just over the border at a special ceremony as personnel from the Parachute Regiment were presented with new colours - ceremonial military flags - which will replace those previously presented to 1st, 2nd and 3rd battalions at Aldershot in 1998.

Handmade from precious silks, silver and gilt threads, they are used on the regiment's most important occasions, and bear the battle honours and symbols of the battalions.

It is thought they carry the spirits of all those who fought and died in their name since the founding of the regiment.

An Apache helicopter from Wattisham Flying Station, giant A180s from RAF Brize Norton and Tiger Moths were among the fly past.