THIS year's air show was the realisation of a boyhood dream for one pilot who grew up in Biggin Hill.

Flight Lieutenant Mike Ling, also known as Red 7, who grew up in the valley, flew as one of the Red Arrows at Biggin Hill Air Fair.

He said: "I do remember me and my little brother, the Friday night before the air show, we could see all the planes arriving.

"I'd go to the air show every year. I just loved it, I loved coming here.

"It was the best weekend of the year."

Talking about the best things about being a Red Arrow, Flt Lt Ling said: "The flying is incredible, the people you get to meet and the places you go.

"I get to do what I always wanted to do, which has been to be a Red Arrow at the Biggin Hill air show."

Flt Lt Ling, 30, went to Oaklands School before moving on to St Olave's Grammar School in Orpington.

He was also a member of 2427 (Biggin Hill) Squadron Air Training Corps, joining around his 13th birthday and remaining a member until just two days before he joined the RAF after his A-levels.

Flt Lt Ling has been in the RAF for the past 11 years. This is his second year flying as a member of the Red Arrows.

This year he is flying as Red 7, part of the Synchro Pair with Red 6 that fly the dynamic crossing manoeuvres during the second half of the display.

Since becoming a Red Arrow he has been back to his old squadron to give a presentaion and he was planning to go back to St Olave's to give a talk at the end of term.

He said: "One of my jobs is arranging outside presentations to go out and spread the word. We aim to go out and drum up some inspiration.

"I just met some of the kids from my old Biggin Hill squadron. I know a couple of them want to get into the RAF and hopefully there's a little inspiration from me. I know a few have already followed me as pilots."

Speaking ahead of the Red Arrows performance, Flt Lt Ling said: "I'm very excited. I've got goosebumps at the prospect. I certainly will have when we take off later."

"I got married in St George's Chapel (on the airfield). It's nice to fly over the church where I got married."

Click here for a gallery of pictures from this year's air fair