This is why a huge military plane was flying over Leeds today

Plane spotters have been keenly following the movements of a large military transport aircraft that was seen over Leeds today.

By The Newsroom

Published 15th May 2018, 14:49 BST

Updated 15th May 2018, 17:16 BST

The RAF C17 followed its Canadian cousin to Leeds Bradford Airport today

The plane is a Boeing C17 Globemaster III operated by the RAF, and it is visiting Leeds Bradford Airport as part of a week of military training exercises.

It completed several circuits of the city before returning to RAF Brize Norton.

The C17 is one of the world's largest aircraft, and is the same model as the Canadian Air Force plane which landed at Leeds Bradford on Saturday, attracting huge crowds to the airport's viewing areas.

Photographer Andrew Easby was on hand to capture the C17 - call sign Ascot 840 - as it took off.

Thanks for the memories: Canadian Air Force C17 leaves Leeds Bradford Airport

Aerial photos show huge crowds gathering to watch Canadian C17 take off