Saving it with diamonds

THE Red Arrows are celebrating their diamond anniversary by returning to a nine-aircraft show.

- Dean Murray

The Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team will mark their 60th season of wowing crowds with a manoeuvre where pilots form the trademark gem shape.

Some of the spellbinding routines have not been seen in a generation, says the RAF, whose crack unit have just completed six months' training.

The Red Arrows now embark on a milestone 2024 tour that includes dozens of shows across the UK, Europe and Canada, with the curtain-raiser in Athens, Greece, today.

Squadron Leader Jon Bond, who leads the team for the first time as Red 1, said: "It was incredibly exciting to design the show back in the autumn of last year.