TWO major East Kent summer events have suffered a major blow as the Red Arrows dropped out just hours before they were due to perform.

The aerobatics squad were due to do a flypast at Deal Regatta before a display at Broadstairs Water Gala, but they cancelled this morning after one of the pilots suffered a family bereavement.

The squad has also cancelled a display at Lowestoft tomorrow.

The other attractions at both events in Kent have not been affected.