THE world-famous Red Arrows put on an impromptu display for residents of Chester before refuelling at Hawarden Airport.

Eight of the BAE Hawk trainers flew over the airport at about 10.45am on Sunday in a V-formation before peeling away one-by-one to land.

A few minutes later the ninth craft, which was running late, flew over the airport alone while releasing the famous white smoke in its trail before landing.

The craft had flown up from Bournemouth to refuel prior to taking part in air shows at Rhyl and Blackpool.

The craft returned to Hawarden later in the day where they stayed overnight prior to returning to their base at RAF Scampton in Lincolnshire.

Onlookers took to social networking sites Facebook and Twitter as the planes passed overhead.

Steve Griffith of Saltney posted: “Awesome. Red Arrows just flew right by my house!”

Formed in 1964, the Red Arrows have completed more than 4,000 displays in 53 countries.