HUNDREDS of visitors have enjoyed a spectacular display to mark the 300th anniversary of the Corps of Royal Engineers.

Fine weather attracted the crowds at the home of 21 Engineer Regiment at Claro Barracks, Ripon, on Saturday (May 7), where the Silver Shadows Parachute Display Team dropped in and a Dakota aircraft from the Battle of Britain Memorial flight took to the skies.

The North Yorkshire Air Ambulance also flew in to provide another aerial spectacle, and on the ground the White Helmets Motorcycle Display team produced a death-defying performance to wow the crowds.

The Nottinghamshire Band of the Corps of Royal Engineers (Reserves) played throughout the day and local maypole dancers from Kirkby Malzeard Church of England Primary School put a big step into the show.

Lieutenant Colonel Jason Ainley, Commanding Officer of 21 Engineer Regiment, said: “This is a very special open day to mark the 300th anniversary of the engineers and the turnout has exceeded all expectations.

“It has been absolutely fantastic. We have had great support from the Ripon community but we could not on such a great day without the support of our two reserve squadrons and the cadets. “They have all been brilliant.”

The Corps of Royal Engineers was awarded the Freedom of the City of Ripon in 1949 and 21 Engineer Regiment exercised the freedom with a parade through the town after a service at Ripon Cathedral tomorrow at noon.