SPIRITS were high but numbers were low at the Throckmorton Air Show, wind and heavy downpours plaguing much of the charity event on Saturday.

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, static trucks and army vehicles including a fly past from the Red Arrows, which kicked off the event in the morning.

Visitor Sophie Thorner, aged 37, of Wyre Piddle, had come to the show with her two sons Robert and Andrew.

“We’ve been before,” she said.

“We wanted to come back and support a good cause. The kids love the day.

“It’s nice they can be so hands on and actually get into the helicopters and tractors and climb over things.”

Charmian Kelso, aged 62, of Throckmorton, was back for the second time with her eight-year-old grandson.

She said: “I think it’s great there’s access for children. It’s just a shame about the weather keeping people away.

"It’s a great thing to raise money for Help for Heroes. So many people give up their time for the show.”

Malcolm Frier, 55, travelled from Birmingham to see the show.

He and his friend Alistair both work for Midlands Air Ambulance but were enjoying the day as visitors.

Mr Frier said: “We came to have a look as we’re interested in aviation. It’s very good – I would like to come again.

“It’s a shame the weather was disappointing. It’s nice to look at the Air Ambulance because usually we have got patients in the back. It’s nice to go behind the scenes.”

Organisers expect to find out today how much was raised from the event, with proceeds going to forces charity Help for Heroes.

Lance Corporal Derby, the pedigree Swaredale ram who is the regimental mascot of the Mercian Regiment, was made an honorary member of Help for Heroes Worcestershire in recognition of their support to the charity since they started in 2007.

Ian Baldry, Worcestershire’s Help for Heroes co-ordinator, 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. “It’s a great privilege and honour.”

• One event that did fall victim to the weather was a Worcestershire Rainbow Picnic event scheduled to take place in Arrow Valley Park, Redditch, on Saturday.

The next picnic will take place in Gheluvelt Park, Worcester, at noon this Saturday.