KEEN photographers and plane spotters gathered earlier this week to watch RAF Tornado jets mark their retirement with a final flypast.

People from across Andover and the surrounding area were given the chance to say a farewell to the fighter jets on Wednesday as they flew over the Army Headquarters in the town.

Those armed with their cameras were lucky enough to get a final glimpse of the jets.

The jets, which have been in service since 1979 and first used in combat during the first Gulf War, will leave service at the end of March.

The Tornadoes are undertaking a tour of the UK that will overfly most RAF bases and other key sites associated with the aircraft.

Station Commander Group Captain Ian "Cab" Townsend previously wrote on Twitter that the flypasts, with up to three jets, would be a "superb celebration of Tornado and those who have supported her across the country".

He earlier said routes were chosen to commemorate places that have contributed to Tornado over the years.

Eight Tornadoes, which were stationed at RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus and used in the fight against Islamic State, returned home to RAF Marham, in Norfolk, earlier this month.

The role of the Tornadoes will be taken over by Typhoons, with new weapons systems.

The RAF said its new fleet of F-35 Lightning jets will form the backbone of the UK's combat air fleet alongside the Typhoon jets in the coming years.