RESIDENTS across Trafford have spotted Apache attack helicopters overhead in the last few days.

Groups on Facebook are full of posts about the helicopters, which are flown by the British Army's Air Corps and not by the Royal Air Force.

And although the helicopters have a maximum speed of more than 200mph, some residents have even managed to take photographs of them.

According to the British Army's website, the helicopters are 'designed to find and destroy air defence units, tanks and armoured vehicles' using a chain gun, missiles and rockets.

They also have a number of other roles on the battlefield.

Trafford might not seem like the obvious place for the helicopters to fulfil these roles, but a spokesperson for the British Army told The Messenger the reason for their presence.

They said: "The recent flights of Apache attack helicopters over the Greater Manchester area are aircraft and crews from 1st Aviation Brigade based at Wattisham flying station.

"They've been conducting routine training to maintain essential currency for our pilots."

Wattisham is north west of the town of Ipswich, Suffolk.

It is around 165 miles from Trafford, as the Apache flies.

The spokesperson added: "1st Aviation Brigade brings together the reconnaissance and attack elements of Army aviation, allowing the brigade to be a rapidly deployable capability, with wide-ranging utility.

"The Apache attack helicopter is one of the most sophisticated pieces of equipment in the world available to front line troops and it can operate in all weathers, day or night."