THE Queen has paid tribute to the "professionalism, skill, determination and courage" of the RAF at the launch of the Royal International Air Tattoo at Fairford.

The Queen was at the Gloucestershire RAF base presenting service personnel with new Colours during a celebration of its 90th anniversary.

The Colours is a new Standard carried during the RAF parade and it is also a special ribbon which RAF personnel will wear to mark the 90th anniversary of the service.

She told the 5,000 guests that she was "deeply conscious" of the difficulties posed by campaigns in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh were met by Air Chief Marshall Sir Glen Torpy, and watched the parade of 759 RAF personnel in the morning sunshine.

The weather did not hold for long and by early afternoon the troops were marching through a downpour.

The Queen told the assembled ranks on the parade ground: "This is the fifth time I have presented the Royal Air Force with a new Colour.

"On each occasion I have been enormously impressed by the professionalism, skill, determination and courage with which the men and women of the RAF serve, often in the most challenging and dangerous of circumstances.

"Current operations in Iraq and Afghanistan have thrown a spotlight on the many achievements of the service, of which you can all be immensely proud.

"However I am also deeply conscious that this success sometimes comes at a great cost to the service, individuals and their families.

"I hand over my Colour with the confidence that you will guard it well, just as you continue to guard your heritage, ethos and unique contribution to defence."

The Air Tattoo, the world's largest military air show, opens to the public today.

RIAT has wowed audiences since 1971 and this weekend's event is expected to exceed expectations.

Hundreds of aeroplanes from across the globe including jets, transporters, helicopters and fighters, will be on display today and tomorrow.

The US Air Force also has a special treat for visitors with its most advanced jet fighter, the F22A Raptor, performing its first aerial display outside the United States.

The famous RAF aerial display team the Red Arrows will be making their usual flypast along with seven other aerobatics display teams.

For further details, visit www. airtattoo.com.

  • Air show fans should go prepared for a potentially rain soaked occasion.

Today is predicted to be cloudy at first with showers in the afternoon.

Tomorrow should be drier, but cloudy with sunny spells.