Organisers of an international air racing tour have lauded a recent Beccles race meet as a 'fabulous weekend'.

The Royal Aero Club Records Racing and Rally Association hosted two races at Beccles Airfield, in Brock Road, last weekend.

Eight pilots competed in each race, taking off from Beccles Airfield and completing a 25 mile circuit towards Southwold four times.

John Kelsall, clerk of the course, said: 'It was a good turnout and the races were well-supported.

'The weather was good and we had a very closely contested weekend of racing.'

He added: 'We would like to thank Rainer Forster, who owns the airfield, for making us feel extremely welcome.'

Dominic Crossan, along with navigator Guy Hook, won The Airborne Trophy on Saturday in a Vans RV6.

All racers crossed the line within a minute of each other with second place landing seven seconds after and third another six after that.

Mr Kelsall said: 'Considering the race is 100 miles long the racers had to fly so accurately.'

Sunday's Merlin Trophy went to Matt Summers and navigator Sean Roberson who soared to victory in their Vans RV8.

The day's race was even closer than the previous, with only four seconds separating first and second place.

Due to unforeseen circumstances the association have had to cancel the seasons final race which was scheduled at Alderney airfield, in the Channel Islands.

This means that the Beccles meet was the last race of the season.

As such Dominic Crossan was able to be crowned both British Air Racing Champion and European Air Racing Champion.

The weekend was the first time the Royal Aero Club had staged an event in the town but there are already plans in place to return in the future.

Mr Kelsall said: 'We would love to come back to Beccles.

'We enjoyed our time at the airfield and our stay in the town also – it was a lovely place to stay.'

He added: 'It has been one of the best air racing meetings we have had all year.'

For more information on the Royal Aero Club and future events visit: www.royalaeroclubrrra.co.uk