A trip to enjoy the world's largest military airshow has proved to be particularly memorable for a former Royal Air Force veteran and keen amateur photographer from Lowestoft.
Colin Rice was 'privileged' to attend the Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford, Gloucestershire on July 17/18. And his stunning shot of a display that stirred the memories for the crowds, has ensured an inaugural success in our popular Picture of the Week competition.
Mr Rice, of Westwood Avenue, has won our contest for the first time – and 'very pleased' with the success, he said: 'I was privileged to attend the Royal International Air Tattoo, where we were treated to a display that I, and probably the country, will never see again. The last airworthy Vulcan, XH558 – the Spirit of Great Britain – gave a memorable solo display which included this fighter style take off and also a landing with parachute deployed. This was followed by flypasts in formation with the Red Arrows RAF aerobatic display team, a truly beautiful and flawless performance. It brought back memories of the much missed Lowestoft Seafront air display. For a Royal Air Force veteran of 13 years from 1962 to 1975, the Royal International Air Tattoo is something that gave me so much to enjoy. With 11-and-a-half hours flying display over the two days we were there, it brought back many memories of the past and a chance to learn much more about the RAF of today.' Mr Rice was also 'thrilled' to meet and pose for a photo with Squadron Leader David Montenegro – Red 1 – the Red Arrows team leader for 2015-17.
As our winner, Colin receives a 12in x 10in framed version of his photo, worth more than £60, from Picture Studios, of London Road North, Lowestoft.
By progressing to our next six-monthly winners' final, he is also in with a shout of winning the top prize – a 12in x 18in photo block, worth £130.
Entries can be of any subject, but they must be by amateur photographers and we prefer digital images.
We also accept prints but we cannot guarantee their return.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here