A GIANT of World War II soared above Therfield Heath on Sunday as thousands of people looked skyward for Royston Kite Festival.

The Lancaster Bomber’s surprise fly-by momentarily took the crowds’ eyes away from the displays organised by the Rotary Club of Royston on Sunday.

Chris Hardy, the club’s president, said: “We were not expecting that especially as it came round three times.

“We do always try and get the Red Arrows but you are only guaranteed them if they are flying over that day.”

More than 4,000 people took to the Heath for the event which benefited HIV charity Mothers2Mothers and aims to prevent the disease being passed from mother to child in sub-Saharan Africa.

Mr Hardy told the Crow the event was a success and beat the odds to attract as many visitors as it did.

“If you take into account the weather forecast before the day and the fact the Olympics were on, it was a fantastic day,” he said.

“With all the children there we must have had 4,000 there.

“We had some fantastic shows. i don’t want to highlight one of the kite flyers so I am reluctant to pick one out. I do like displays when they are flying to music and everyone takes notice when you have three in the air doing different things or if they are synchronised.”

Attractions included Dark Star, a one-man stunt team, synchronised flying to music by Team Spectrum and a kite making contest for children.

Chairman of North Herts District Council Joan Kirby officially opened the event