The skies of Cornwall roared with the sound of more than 70 high-tech aircraft yesterday as RNAS Culdrose hosted a spectacular air day.

The helicopter base welcomed thousands of visitors to experience the sights, sounds and smells of some of its most glitzy aircraft – from helicopters to jets.

The highlight was when the rare Vulcan aircraft flew in from Farnborough. The delta-wing subsonic jet bomber – which was operated by the RAF from 1953 until 1984 – gave a 15-minute flying display.

Visitors were also treated to flights by a vintage Vietnam era F-86 Sabre and a joint Strike Master/Hawker Hunter jet formation from Team Viper.

The Royal Jordanian Falcons flew a five-aircraft routine, and Team Osprey performed a display of Russian Yak-52 aerobatic aircraft.

Emma Relton, a spokesman for the event, said there were 24,000 people at the event.

She said: "It was a fantastic day, so well-attended. The weather was kind and it was a great opportunity to show everyone what we do.

"Everyday life for Royal Navy pilots could include hunting for enemy submarines or aircraft in state-of-the-art helicopters, flying fast jets armed with air-to-air weapons, transporting troops of Royal Marines Commandos and their equipment or rescuing casualties from sunken vessels.

"Air day enables budding pilots and those who once dreamt of flying to learn about this exciting world of Culdrose and see what happens behind the gates."