HISTORIC planes have landed at Southampton Airport after taking part in a dramatic flypast in London to mark the centenary of the RAF.

Three Spitfires and two Hurricanes were snapped by members of the Daily Echo Camera Club as they touched down at the airport, where the Spitfire made its first flight in the 1930s.

The aircraft - members of the Battle of Britain memorial flight - are due to take off at 7pm today and return to their bases.

At lunchtime thousands of people gathered outside Buckingham Palace to watch the flypast.

Up to 100 planes representing the RAF over the years flew over The Mall following a parade by service personnel.

The Queen and other members of the Royal Family watched the display, which included Spitfires and the new F-35 fighter, from the palace balcony.

Earlier they had attended a special service held at Westminster to mark the centenary of the RAF, which was formed following the merger of the Royal Flying Corps and the Royal Naval Air Service.

Typhoon aircraft spelt out '100' as they flew over London. Nine helicopters led the armada while the Red Arrows brought up the rear.