A MILESTONE in Merseyside’s aviation history was marked with a flypast through its skies.

The day of activities was held to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Cecil Paterson first taking flight from Freshfield sands in his Farman biplane – making him the first man to take to the skies off the Sefton coast.

Seven vintage planes left RAF Woodvale and flew along the coastline to mark the occasion.

They included a 1943 Harvard Mark III, a 1948 Piper Vagabond and a 1946 Piper J3 Cub.

The flypast was witnessed by primary school children from schools in Formby and Freshfield who took part in a kite-making competition.

The centenary event was organised by Formby Civic Society, National Trust, Southport Air Show, Sefton Council, Manchester Science and Industry Museum, RAF Woodvale and Southport Shore Interest Group.

Tony Corfield, head of tourism at Sefton Council, said: “We are very proud of our aviation links in Sefton and the organised fly-over marked the occasion in style.

“Early flights like the ones made by Cecil Paterson in Freshfield helped set the tone for future developments in the aviation industry.

“We will also be celebrating the centenary at this year’s Southport Airshow in September.”

Howard Carby, station commander at RAF Woodvale, added: “We enjoy our close links with the community and we were both proud and privileged to be a part of this celebration.”