Stunning pictures show Hercules retirement flypast

The flypast makes its way over Stirling Lines, Herefordshire (Image: Thomas Devons)

Three of the iconic planes flew over all four nations of the UK, visiting locations of significance to their service and to 47 Squadron on June 15.

The flypast seen from Mansel Lacy, Herefordshire (Image: Lucy Rose)

Setting off from RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire at 10am, the flypast took in locations including Credenhill, Herefordshire, and was spotted by many in the county.

The flypast over Shobdon, Herefordshire (Image: John Pullen)

A stalwart of the RAF fleet, the first Hercules entered service in the 1960s.

Flying over Shobdon Airfield (Image: Doug Tantrum)

The unmistakable aircraft have since operated across the globe to support military and humanitarian relief operations.

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Flying over Shobdon, Herefordshire (Image: Alan Broatch)

They are being retired after the introduction of the Atlas A400 fleet, and will leave service on June 30.

The flypast makes its way over Shobdon (Image: Alan Broatch)

An RAF spokesperson said: "The expertise acquired operating the Hercules and its broad range of capabilities will be transitioned across to the other flying platforms in RAF service.

"This includes ground support staff (engineers, air operations and intelligence professions) who will be relocated to similar roles around the RAF."