Meet the 'Red Barrows' display team - Skegness’ answer to the Red Arrows – but “lower, slower and a lot less co-ordinated”.

They are a group of nine members from the Skegness branch of the Royal British Legion (RBL). But where they “lack the military precision” of their RAF counterparts – they certainly make up for it in humour and showmanship.

A spokesperson for the RBL team said: “With the Red Arrows currently stranded in Canada, Skegness needed a display team. Naturally we answered the call.

“So forget precision. Forget military discipline. Forget anything you've ever seen at an air show. We proudly present a crack team of nine spectacularly unprofessional, gloriously uncoordinated, and completely untrainable individuals, brought together by fate.”

placeholder image — The 'Red Barrows' in action.

Donning special customised red jumpsuits and shiny red wheelbarrows, the team put on a display like no other for a promo video announcing the venture. This can be viewed on their Facebook page.

Narrating the comical video in a retro 1940s’ style, local theatre director Gary ‘Danger’ Starr says: “Leading the charge are three Army veterans. One who quite clearly spent every drill parade hiding behind the NAAFI for his entire military career... another who still can't tell his left from his right, despite decades of practice. Supporting them are two legendary knitters, capable of producing a jumper and knitted poppies in record time... but somehow still unable to follow a simple marching line.”

He goes on to compare the two display teams: “The Red Arrows fly in perfect formation at over 600 miles an hour,” he says. “The Red Barrows struggle to stay in formation, standing still.

“The Red Arrows leave spectacular coloured smoke trails. The Red Barrows leave a trail of confusion, laughter – and probably one missing wheel.”

The comical team will be showing off a display at Skegness Carnival at the weekend.

He adds: “The Skegness Branch Royal British Legion Red Barrows – low, slow and no direction! Who needs nine Hawks when you’ve got this lot!”

And you can catch the team in action at Skegness Carnival’s parade when it sets off from 1pm on Sunday, August 9.

Gary adds: “Prepare to witness this elite display team in action – precision, discipline and flawless coordination are not guaranteed - but laughter most definitely is!”