Thousands of pounds was raised for Exmouth and Lympstone Hospiscare when a Red Arrows fly-by attracted crowds to a sea front fiesta

Exmouth and Lympstone Hospiscare’s coffers were boosted by �4,100 on Sunday when scores of visitors flocked to Elizabeth Hall to watch the daredevil pilots.

Digging deep and donating after the brief fly-by, around 1,000 people stayed to browse at the many fundraising stalls and attractions.

The Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service band entertained the crowds while a bouncy castle and Professor Fumble kept youngsters busy.

The Red Arrows’ appearance was a first for Exmouth, made possible thanks to Exmouth and Lympstone Hospiscare chairman Pam Warren.

The number-one fan of the Royal Air Force aerobatic team put in a request for the line-up to ‘pop along’ following their Sunday morning departure from Exeter Airport.

She was ‘elated’ when her wish was granted.

Exmouth and Lympstone Hospiscare trustee Terry Darville said: “It was superb day. It’s a local charity and it certainly raised our profile.

“It was so busy we couldn’t cope with it all, we just didn’t have enough collectors.”