BRITISH astronaut Tim Peake joined the Red Arrows for a practice flight at the Air Tattoo in RAF Fairford yesterday.

The astronaut flew in the rear seat of Red 1’s aircraft, getting to feel, first-hand, the team’s hallmark signature moves during the 20 minute display.

He said: “What a huge honour and privilege to join the Red Arrows today – a fantastic flight.

"It was brilliant to fly with Red 1, to see not only what was going on in the front but also looking back at the amazing formations.

"I fulfilled a boyhood dream today, I really have.”

Squadron Leader Pert said: “It was a huge privilege to fly Tim Peake.

"He is such an experienced aviator and astronaut – it was a boyhood dream for me to have him join the Red Arrows in a display.

“Tim is clearly used to the physiological effects of going into space and whilst the G-forces aren’t quite the same, he had absolutely no problems with flying in our dynamic display and he loved the flight.”

Tim will give his seal of approval to this year's theme, Air & Space: Inspiring The Next Generation Air Force, by making an appearance at the airshow today.

Thanks to photographer Paul Nicholls for these thrilling photos from the Red Arrows practice display.