Thousands of people turned out to watch the world's last working Tiger 1 tank being put through its paces.

Bovington Tank Museum held Tiger Day today, Saturday, April 28 and its Tiger r131 roared round the main arena to the delight of crowds.

This year marks 75 years since the tank was captured by the Allies during fierce fighting in the Second World War.

Its capture was considered such a coup that Prime Minister Winston Churchill and King George VI flew to north Africa shortly afterwards to be pictured alongside it.

Bovington Tank Museum said more than 4,000 people attended the event today.

Tiger 131 arrived at the Tank Museum in 1951 and in 1987 staff decided to restore it to running order.

A decade was spent overhauling the machine and in 1998 a £96,000 grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund helped complete the task.

David Willey said: “To have this tank working after 75 years is testament to the skill, knowledge and dedication of our staff.

“We couldn’t have done any of this without the support of the Heritage Lottery Fund, whose support has enabled tens of thousands of people to see this rare symbol of the Second World War in action.

“For the public to be able to see and hear this tank operating is really remarkable. Whenever we run the tank it attracts huge numbers.

“But for a lucky shot that jammed in the turret during the campaign in the north African desert it wouldn’t be here.

“This 75th anniversary is important, not least because the number of veterans who might have seen one of these in action is now dwindling to a very small number.

“It is pleasing however that many young people are interested and want to learn about the war.

“On this special anniversary we also have the Germans’ current battle tank – a Leopard II – so visitors have been able to compare the two.”