A Red Arrows pilot has been taken to hospital after a mid-air crash between two display planes during a training exercise in Crete.

The male pilot ejected from the aircraft following the collision over Hellenic Air Force Base in Kastelli during a pre-season exercise.

The second pilot from the RAF aerobatic team, based at RAF Scampton in Lincolnshire, landed safety.

The planes were practising a manoeuvre when they collided at 1150 GMT.

The injured pilot, who ejected himself from the plane before it crash-landed on the runway of the base, has a dislocated arm and minor abrasions.

His condition is not life-threatening, the Ministry of Defence said.

Long history

The runway was temporarily closed while the aircraft was removed.

The RAF said an investigation into the cause of the crash would be carried out.

A spokesman said: "We can confirm that an incident has occurred involving the Red Arrows whilst undertaking pre-season training at Hellenic Air Force Base Kastelli in Crete.

"A service inquiry will be convened to identify the cause of the crash."

The Red Arrows team arrived on the Greek island on Sunday for the first stage of Exercise Springhawk.

Ten Hawks and a C130 Hercules left Lincolnshire on Saturday and travelled to Crete via France and Italy.

The Red Arrows was formed in 1965 and its pilots have completed more than 4,000 aerobatic displays in 53 countries.