Farewell to the Harriers

The Harriers made their last flight today - 16 of them in formation.

They put on a fantastic display for everyone who turned out in the cold and rain to see them home to Cottesmore. Whatever your thoughts on our defence capabilities you have to admit that these planes are awe-inspiring and beautiful machines.

It's a sad day for Rutland because RAF Cottesmore will soon close with the loss of up to a thousand jobs and nobody knows what will happen to the buildings or land. What is the point of our fleet of 'aircraft carriers' now that the harriers are gone?

It was a surprisingly emotional experience watching them fly today.