A STUNNING flypast captivated Colchester residents as the planes travelled over north Essex as part of King Charles' birthday celebrations.

The world-famous RAF Red Arrows were joined by a number of historic and iconic aircraft when they flew over the skies of Essex as a part of the flypast.

The famous Red Arrows were joined by aircraft from across Britain’s armed forces including the Royal Navy, British Army and the RAF as they headed towards Buckingham Palace.

Gazette: Wildcat and Merlins in formationWildcat and Merlins in formation (Image: Leigh Smith)

Gazette: Wildcat and ApachesWildcat and Apaches (Image: Leigh Smith)

The aircraft took off from 15 different locations across the UK before joining up across the south east of England and flew to the capital.

The Red Arrows stunned Essex plane fans, however, as they turned their eyes to the sky to see the planes flying in formation making the letters CR - Charles Rex.

A large flypast was planned for the King’s Coronation back in May but was scaled down at the time due to poor weather conditions.

However, with clear skies on Saturday, the aircraft made a spectacular display to pay tribute to the new monarch.

Gazette: A Chinnok also took partA Chinnok also took part (Image: Leigh Smith)

Gazette: A Puma helicopterA Puma helicopter (Image: Leigh Smith)

Gazette: Juno helicoptersJuno helicopters (Image: Leigh Smith)

The RAF Red Arrows soared over the north of Colchester at 12.57pm on Saturday, June 17, flying west over Chelmsford and Ilford, before passing over Buckingham Palace.

The event featured a mix of aircraft spanning decades, ranging from aircraft from the Battle of Britain, dating back to the 1940s, to multiple Typhoon fighter jet aircraft.

Gazette: Phenom and TexansPhenom and Texans (Image: Leigh Smith)

Gazette: Poseidon and Typhoons Poseidon and Typhoons (Image: Leigh Smith)

Gazette: F-35B Lightning IIF-35B Lightning II (Image: Leigh Smith)

One resident was lucky enough to catch the entire display over the Mile End sports centre.

Leigh Smith, 57, who witnessed the spectacle, said: “I was with my mum, who is a real Red Arrows fan. We were just relaxing at the rec, watching the various planes soar over.

“She likened it to a personal airshow, as the planes were only at about 1,000 feet, meaning had the chance to get a really good look at them.

Gazette: Voyager and A400MVoyager and A400M (Image: Leigh Smith)

“I really enjoyed it, I was so delighted to have been able to see it. It was such a great opportunity to see all of those planes together.

“I don’t think we will see something of this scale for a long time, with 70 planes filling the sky.”