SPIRITS were high but numbers were low at the Throckmorton Air Show, wind and rain lashing the event.

The terrible weather kept many of the expected crowds away, but more than 1,200 people still came out to support the emergency and armed services event held at Throckmorton airfield, near Pershore.

Those who did brave the elements enjoyed displays of aircraft and vehicles, as well as a fly past from the Red Arrows.

Visitor Sophie Thorner, aged 37, of Wyre Piddle, had come to the show with her two sons Robert and Andrew. “We wanted to come back and support a good cause,” she said.

Charmian Kelso, aged 62, of Throckmorton, was back for the second time with her eight-year-old grandson. She said: “It’s a shame about the weather keeping people away. It’s a great thing to raise money for Help for Heroes.”

Lance Corporal Derby, the Swaredale ram who is the mascot of the Mercian Regiment, was made an honorary member of Help for Heroes Worcestershire in recognition of the regiment’s support for the charity. County coordinator Ian Baldry presented the medal to Major Corporal Andrew Skinner of Two Mercian second battalion regiment (Worcestershire and Sherwood Foresters).

“Help for Heroes Worcestershire is the first county in the UK to have an honorary member who’s a regimental mascot,” said Mr Baldry.