WAR And Peace Show organisers have pledged to tighten up safety measures after a 54-year-old helicopter narrowly avoided a disastrous crash at Paddock Wood's Hop Farm.

The 1956 Hiller aircraft lost power as it attempted to take off in a crowded field at the end of the five-day military spectacular.

Exhibitors dived for cover on Sunday evening as the pilot carried out an emergency "run on" landing, his rotors whipping just inches from tents and vehicles which onlookers said contained terrified children.

A show spokesman this week admitted things could have gone "tragically wrong".

Footage of the incident shows the machine throwing up vast clouds of dust as it struggles into the air and lurches along just feet above the ground before disappearing behind some tents.

The chopper had been part of a Vietnam War display.

An eyewitness account, posted online by a user named Lord Burley said: "My niece, brother and re-enactors dived for cover as he tried to get airborne. How he never hit anyone was a miracle."

The Hiller's pilot and owner, Glynn Williams, said he took off at 6.25pm, after the show had closed.

Show spokesman Pete Cook said: "It seems the pilot got it wrong, although mercifully not as tragically wrong as it might have ended up.

"I think you can safely say that this incident will not be repeated. Lessons have been learned."

To watch the dramatic video footage visit www.thisiskent.co.uk