FIRST World War biplanes took to the air for a mock battle at Bovington Tank Museum.

They took part in the museum’s first ever re-enactment based on the 1914-1918 conflict.

Around 10,000 people visited over the weekend for the museum’s 10th Tankfest celebration.

The four planes were grounded on Saturday by the weather but they flew yesterday.

The battle included the museum’s Mark IV replica tank in a demonstration of how tanks helped break the stalemate of trench warfare.

Visitors enjoyed a parade of vehicles including 53 from the museum’s own collection.

Tank Museum spokesman Nik Wyness said the museum had ‘a quantity and range of armour that no other military vehicle show can match’.

One of the stars was arguably its biggest draw, the only working German Tiger Tank in the world.

Janine Loveys from the events team said: “The Tiger ran very well and there were no breakdowns I am aware of and some of them haven’t run for a very long time.

“I think we’ve had slightly more people than usual this year and it went very well.”

The tanks on show included the British-built Black Prince from the Second World War, which ran for the first time after restoration by volunteers.

Only one complete prototype survives.

The family entertainment included trade stands, face painting, 1940s makeovers, living history encampments, and live music from the D-Day Darlings and Polka Dot Dolls.

The museum expected visitors from as far away as China and the USA.