THE Army Air Corps' (AACs') display teams celebrated a successful show season with a special day for sponsors and partners, at Middle Wallop.

The two teams, the Blue Eagles and the Historic Air Flight, are both based at Middle Wallop and have performed 41 displays in 2006.

But unlike the RAF's display teams, which are run by the Chief of Staff and receive official funding, the AAC's teams have to raise their own funds to keep going.

Maj Clive Tillotson, team manager of the Blue Eagles, said: "2006 has been a fantastic year for us.

"For the first time ever we had an all-new team and put together one of our best displays.

"Air displays are the second largest spectator activity in the country, but we need the support of our business partners to make this happen."

Maj Tillotson explained the need for the teams to be recognised by the Army as a valuable recruitment tool.

After a presentation on the progress of the teams, the sponsors toured the Museum of Army Flying and the hangars of Middle Wallop before watching the final Blue Eagles display of the season.

And the team of six helicopters - five Gazelles and one Lynx - didn't disappoint their audience.

It was a well-honed show of flying, coming as close as one rotor-width away from each other.