Around 1,200 visitors were treated to impressive flying displays and a behind the scenes look at one of Suffolk’s former air bases.

Crowds flocked to a recent open day at Bentwaters Cold War Museum, near Woodbridge.

It included flying displays by Carolyn Grace in her Spitfire and Mark Davey in his Yak-3M, along with a flypast by the RAF Sea King helicopter from Wattisham. Also on static display were two Navions and a McDonnell Douglas Phantom.

Steve Kingman, the Grace Spitfire’s chief engineer, was also running his Merlin engine. Bus tours around parts of the airfield not normally open to the public also proved popular, as did the many military vehicles and trade stands.

The day marked the 20th anniversary of the USAF’s withdrawal from RAF Bentwaters and RAF Woodbridge

The museum’s Karen Haynes said it would not have been possible without the hard work and support of their fantastic volunteers. “The flying displays made all the difference,” she said. “There was a great atmosphere.”

The museum will next open its doors on Sunday, July 7.