TWO huge RAF transport planes have been seen in the skies this afternoon.

The planes, one an Airbus A400M and the other appearing to be a C-17 Globemaster III, were spotted by eagle-eyed reader Abi Bertram as it flew over Colwall this afternoon (May 5).

She said: "It was fascinating to see two large military planes flying in such close formation over the Malvern Hills."

The planes, flying out of RAF Brize Norton, flew up towards Malvern via Ledbury before looping back round and continuing down through the Cotswolds.

Both aircraft are used by the air force to deliver heavy loads around the world at short notice.

Cotswold Journal: PATH: The aircraft's path as seen on flightradarPATH: The aircraft's path as seen on flightradar

They are commonly used to transport troops, heavy equipment and humanitarian aid, with the Globemaster able to carry nearly 50 tons of equipment while in the air.

The aircraft’s design enables high-angle, steep approaches at relatively slow speeds, allowing it to operate into small, austere airfields and onto runways as short as 3,500ft long and just 90ft wide.

The A400M is described by the RAF as "the most advanced, proven and certified airlifter available" and able to carry up to 37 tons of goods.