A RED Arrows pilot has praised the "true teamwork" of his colleagues following a bird strike which halted a Rhyl Air Show display over the weekend.

The team's display on Sunday (August 28) was cut short after the cockpit canopy of one of the jets - Red 6 - was smashed into by a bird.

The jet was forced to return to Hawarden Airport following the mid-air incident.

Red 6's pilot Squadron Leader Gregor Ogston has taken to social media to thank everyone for the 'kind messages and good wishes' following the freak incident.

He said on Twitter: "Thank you to everyone for the kind messages and good wishes.

"As ever, our well-rehearsed emergency procedures, togetherness and training resulted in a safe outcome - true teamwork. Looking forward to displaying for you all again very soon."

He added: "Particular thanks to @rafred7 for escorting me back to the airfield and to the emergency services at Hawarden airport for their speedy response and assistance."

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Following the incident, a Red Arrows spokesperson said: "Thank you to everyone at this weekend’s Rhyl Airshow. We had to finish today’s #RedArrows display a few minutes early after one of our jets suffered a bird strike, damaging the cockpit canopy.

"This type of incident is not uncommon in aviation and is extremely well-trained for.

"In this instance, Red 6 and the whole team responded perfectly together, with no further risk to the pilot and aircraft. Happy to report the jet landed safely and the pilot is unhurt. Thank you for the many well wishes and messages!"