The Red Arrows display was the first to be called off

Saturday was the start of the Sunderland International Airshow, billed as the biggest such free event in Europe.

Earlier in the day the Red Arrows display was cancelled and on Saturday afternoon organisers said there would be no flying at all.

Organisers said they were hopeful there would be flying on Sunday.

The situation had been monitored since bad weather swept in across the region at the end of last week.

Even after the Red Arrows display was cancelled, the other air crews were put on standby hoping for a break in the weather.

But by early afternoon, they were forced to admit defeat. All the pilots have been on the ground to meet members of the public and sign autographs.

Organisers said the forecast was looking better for Sunday and they were looking forward to a flying display then.