106 aircraft attend Fly In

ALDERNEY'S revitalised Fly In looks to have added thousands of pounds to the local economy.

A total of 106 aircraft were brought to the event, which took place last weekend, and about 250 people came along to enjoy what the island had on offer.

Despite a foggy start to the event, the majority of hotels, B&Bs and self-catering accommodation were full on Saturday night.

Many restaurants were booked to capacity on both Friday and Saturday nights.

Car and bike hire were both also exceptionally busy.

The 2013 Fly In was the first held in Alderney since 2004.

Its comeback this year was boosted by Guernsey Aero Club having been forced to cancel its rally because of work on the Guernsey Airport runway. Organisers of that instead gave their support to the Alderney event.

Co-organiser David Chiswell, chairman of Alderney Flying Club, said many first-time visitors had been saying they would come back to a similar event.

He said: 'We have been inundated with many positive comments about the island from the participants

and the flying forum chatter has also been completely positive, with many stating that they enjoyed the island so much that they will be back again.'

Mr Chiswell added: 'Obviously an event on this scale needs the island to pull together to be successful, which everyone did

admirably.'

Organisers are now hoping to stage a repeat event.