Thousands of aviation fans flocked to the first Manchester Airshow in more than two decades.

And the event at Barton, which was last staged in 1994, proved a huge hit with crowds as daredevil pilots showed off their skills

A capacity crowd of around 15,000 people packed into the City Airport, formerly known as Barton Aerodrome.

They were treated to more than three hours of acrobatic displays from a wide variety of military and civilian aircraft.

However, the event was cut short after a sudden thunderstorm caused the last two displays to be cancelled.

Before the torrential downpour sent everyone scurrying for the exits, glorious sunshine had greeted breathtaking flying in the skies which were visible for many miles.

RECAP: Replay our live updates from the Manchester Airshow here

One of the highlights was a stunning display from a Chinook helicopter which did loops in the sky before flying over the heads of those.

Whilst an appearance from the two iconic World War II planes. the Hurricane and Spitfire, from the Battle of Britain memorial flight also got a great reception.

As well as the planes, there were an array of supercars on display with organisations such as the Army, RAF and Royal British Legion setting up stalls.

The popularity of the event did cause problems for many, with long tailbacks forming on the M60 and car parks filling up early in the morning.

Salford Red Devils home match at the nearby AJ Bell Stadium also contributed to the congestion with some visitors reporting that they sat in their vehicles for more than two hours as they waited to get in.

Whilst there were also complaints on social media about the lack of food and toilet facilities inside the arena.

But those attending said they had been left impressed by the displays and were delighted it had returned.

Flight fans Terry, 74 and Kate Newman, 69, regularly attend air shows across the country and were at the last one held at Barton in 1994.

Kate said: “We love coming to events like this so it’s great to have one on our doorstep again.

“The displays were absolutely fantastic.

“We particularly enjoyed the Chinook, the skill of the pilots is amazing.

“It took us an awful long time to get in and I think there’s a way to go in terms of organisation.

“But it’s great to have it back and hopefully is here to stay and will get better and better.”