A record-breaking gathering of autogyros is set to take place at Old Warden this weekend.

The Comet: Steve Paffett in his AutoGyro. Picture: Danny LooSteve Paffett in his AutoGyro. Picture: Danny Loo (Image: Danny Loo Photography 2017)

The free event – organised by the British Rotorcraft Association – will see more than 70 gyros landing at Shuttleworth, smashing the record of 47 set at last year’s meet.

Gyro pilot Steve Paffett will be taking part, and he spoke to the Comet about the event.

“We are expecting more than 70 gyros to land and break last year’s record,” he said.

“That event was so successful that this year the Shuttleworth Collection are letting us have the venue for the whole weekend.

“It’s a public event, entry is free and it promises to be a great weekend.”

At the front of the line-up will be Little Nellie, the original flying gyro from the 1967 James Bond film You Only Live Twice – which is housed at Old Warden.

The idea of the gyro was conceived in the 1920s by Spanish engineer Juan de la Cierva, for an aircraft that could safely operate at low speeds. They were used during the Second World War for reconnaissance before becoming popular among civilian pilots after the hostilities.