A FAREWELL flight of veteran aircraft used in the Royal Navy will pass over Dorset today.

The Hawk Jets of the Royal Navy Air Station Culdrose will pass Bournemouth Airport on Thursday, March 17, as it embarks on a farewell tour of the UK.

A statement from RNAS Culdrose said: “The Hawks have played a significant role in defence for 40 years, playing the role of hostile aircraft or incoming missiles to train ships' companies and Royal Navy fighter controllers in air defence. Now we bid farewell to these veteran aircraft.

“Four jets from 736 Naval Air Squadron will fly from Cornwall to Prestwick in Scotland and back again the following day.”

The jets will depart Culdrose at 3.30pm on Thursday, flying past Plymouth ten minutes later.

They’ll then be in Yeovilton at 3.55pm and Bournemouth Airport at 4.05pm, Portsmouth at 4.15pm and arriving at Prestwick shortly after 5pm.

On Friday, the Hawks will depart Prestwick at 11am, fly past RAF Valley at 11.25am, Prembrey at 11.50am and Newquay at 12pm.

A final flight around the coast of Cornwall is planned to take place next Thursday.