A Chinook soared over Southampton this evening as it headed in the direction of its base.

The Royal Air Force (RAF) helicopter circled the city shortly before 6pm this evening.

The aircraft finished its loop of the city before flying in the direction of Basingstoke.

The Chinook flew to the east of Winchester and over Alton before landing.

RAF Odiham is the force’s Hampshire location and is a front line support helicopter base working within the Joint Helicopter Command.

Home of the UK Chinook Force, RAF Odiham operates three Chinook squadrons.

According to the RAF website, the Chinook is an ‘extremely capable and highly versatile support helicopter that can be operated from land bases or ships into a diverse range of environments’.

The helicopter is often seen and heard flying over Southampton.