Thousands stood on the pier, the beach, atop the

multi-storey car park, and even on car roofs to see the

smoke.

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Less than a month after 100ft flames leapt above

Weston-super-Mare's pier, there was a different kind of smoke

in Weston-super-Mare.

The Red Arrows team flew over the crowds and pier wreckage

and left behind a trail of red, blue and white clouds.

Hundreds of holidaymakers and residents, young and old stood

on the remaining walkway of the pier at 3.15pm yesterday, for

the spectacular display accompanied by a live radio link from a

Red Arrows pilot.

The atmosphere in the town was upbeat and the stunning

dare-devil display of winged wizardry attracted enthralled

onlookers in their droves – proving the pier is still a draw

and showing Weston is indeed still super.

Co-owner of the Grand Pier, Michelle Michael, said: "The Red

Arrows are probably the best aerobatic display team in the

world.

"When the Red Arrows are in Weston-super-Mare they always do

their main display over the Pier. We always help sponsor them

in Weston".

Ann Poynter travelled all the way from Abergavenny for the

event with three generations of her family.

"We came especially for the Arrows for my husband's

birthday. The news about the fire was a bit upsetting but it's

a wonderful town that never sleeps, even in the winter the

shops are open," she said.

Holidaymakers still flock to Weston, the cash donations are

pouring in and three condolence books are filled with tributes

for the burnt monument.

Jane Newson wrote: "I used to come here as a child 50 years

ago and sit under the pier if it rained. Great loss. Please

rebuild ASAP."

Kia Jones works for the Crazy Golf attraction said that more

foreign visitors have travelled to the seaside town since the

fire. "We're still getting about 25 customers a day despite the

fire and bad weather," she said yesterday.

"Australians and Americans have flooded here since the fire

but we don't usually have foreign tourists in Weston."

Lois Miller works for the Fresh Seafood stall on the beach,

said that his cockles and jellied eels remain popular but the

tourist season is quieter than expected.

She added: "Yesterday was the busiest it's been.

"The pier is still a novelty landmark and the Red Arrows

brought in the crowds but next summer will be the most

difficult for the businesses as they're resurfacing the prom

and the pier hype will have died down."

Kevin Mager is co-owner of the donkey rides, horses, swings

and bouncy castle added that the tourist town is "dead."

"The Pier was the jewel in the crown of Weston and

everything revolves around it," he said.

"With the miserable weather, burnt down pavilion on the pier

and now, a burnt-out bowling alley, small businesses are

feeling the pinch."

Owner of The Rock Shop, Peter Swaysland, said: "All of the

businesses are down. Never before have we had bad weather on

four consecutive bank holidays, in the 20 years I've owned the

shop.

"Now people are coming to see it but next year will be

telling. Is the beach enough to bring in the tourists?"