New 50p coin marks 60th anniversary of the Red Arrows

Some of the coins have been made in colour

A special 50p coin has been created to celebrate the Red Arrows, who have been dazzling spectators at air shows for 60 years.

The coin shows three of their planes flying in the sky, leaving colourful trails behind them, just like in their displays.

A colour version of the coin will be available, alongside the familiar silvery colour commonly seen on 50p pieces.

Rebecca Morgan from the Royal Mint, who make coins, said The Red Arrows are a symbol of how great British pilots are, both in the UK and around the world.

""We are proud to celebrate 60 years of their spectacular displays on an official collectable 50p coin," she added.

The Red Arrows are part of the Royal Air Force (RAF) and have performed nearly 5,000 times in 57 different countries. They are famous for their amazing and precise flying.

Officially called the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, they are based at RAF Waddington, near Lincoln.

Team leader Jon Bond said: "The Red Arrows have aimed to inspire people of all ages and backgrounds with a world-class display of precision and teamwork.

"These new 50p coins, with our distinctive Hawk jets depicted brilliantly in close formation, are a wonderful celebration of the excitement, enjoyment and pride felt by millions of individuals - at airshows and events every year."