A FORMATION of Puma helicopters was seen in the skies above north Shropshire yesterday.

Camera club members Steve Beech and Rob Evans shared their pictures of the passing choppers as they toured above the Shropshire clouds on their way to Shobdon.

Starting at RAF Benson in Oxfordshire, the flypast marked 50 years of service in the Royal Air Force and travelled north along the east of England before turning at RAF Scampton and returning via RAF Shawbury in north Shropshire.

The RAF said the Puma, a medium-lift support helicopter, has flown on combat and humanitarian operations around the world over the last five decades, including Northern Ireland, Bosnia, Kosovo, Iraq, Afghanistan, Mozambique and the Caribbean.

The helicopters have also supported flood relief efforts and the coronavirus pandemic response in Britain.

Border Counties Advertizer: The formation of Puma helicopters. Picture by Rob Evans.

The formation of Puma helicopters. Picture by Rob Evans.

Border Counties Advertizer: The formation of Puma helicopters. Picture by Rob Evans.

The formation of Puma helicopters. Picture by Rob Evans.

Border Counties Advertizer: The formation of Puma helicopters. Picture by Rob Evans.

The formation of Puma helicopters. Picture by Rob Evans.