The RAF described today how 21 members of the Falcons parachute team were overcome after inhaling smoke in a mid-air drama.

The freefall parachute display team, based at RAF Brize Norton, was taken to hospital for treatment after smoke canisters accidentally went off in their Hercules aircraft.

Team members were due to jump at Harbottle, in Northumberland, but the display had to be cancelled at the last minute. Smoke canisters had already been opened inside the plane in preparation for the freefall display. To avoid the aircraft becoming smoke-logged, the canisters were held outside the aircraft.

But some toxic fumes blew back inside the aircraft and the Hercules plane was forced to make an emergency landing at Newcastle Airport.

RAF Brize Norton spokesman Flt Lt David Rowe said none of the team members had been seriously affected by their ordeal.

He said: "Unfortunately some of the toxic smoke did blow back inside the plane and the Falcons were taken to hospital for a precautionary check.

"None of them were badly affected and they are all back on duty."

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