TWO planes were spotted carrying out daring manoeuvres at high speed in the skies above Barrow and Ulverston yesterday afternoon.

Great Urswick resident Martin Stables was one of those who witnessed the bizarre "dog-fight" in which the two light aircraft spent around 20 minutes banking and descending at close proximity to each other.

Although the planes were at high altitude, because of the clear skies at the time, the white vapour trails left a criss-cross pattern against the blue sky.

Residents across Barrow, Askam, Dalton and Ulverston also witnessed the incredible display.

And as Mr Stables explained, many will have also noticed the activity because of the loud engine noises coming from the two planes.

He said: "As they banked and then descended, you could tell from the sound of the engine that this was some sort of deliberate act.

"It went on for ages, it was incredibly bizarre.

"The lad was delivering my newspaper shortly after and I asked him if he'd seen it too and he said yes.

"I took some photos but all you can see are the white vapour trails as the two planes banked and descended at high speed.

"It was an incredible sight to observe and for so long, from 1.30pm until 1.50pm.

"From Great Urswick I was looking south and slightly to the west, so they were probably over the sea at this point; it's hard to judge from the ground and considering the high altitude they were at."

Julie Cooper told The Mail: "My daughter and I were doing a circular walk around Urswick and we'd just stopped for a picnic when the planes started their display.

"They looked identical and one was following the other all the time. They were doing dramatic descents.

"Training perhaps? My theory was a couple of friends having fun but what an expensive (and dangerous) hobby."

Pete Burton from Askam managed to get some pictures of the two planes carrying out their daring display from his home in Sharp Street, describing it as "Askam Air Show".

Reader Gemma Hallam got in touch to identify the planes as RAF Tucanos, which are used to develop students in a full range of skills, including general aircraft handling, formation flying and low-level navigation.

A spokesman for the Civil Aviation Authority said: "These aircraft are clearly practising an aerobatic display. If this activity is taking place in uncontrolled airspace they are allowed to do so without any particular permission or authorisation."

Did you see the two planes? Did you take any pictures or videos?

Email them to amy.fenton@nwemail.co.uk