Two Britons killed in Spanish air display

Two Britons have died in a light aircraft accident on the Spanish island of Menorca, the Foreign Office said today.

The men, believed to be father and son, were named by sources as Bruce and Ian Hook.

They are understood to have crashed to their deaths when doing an air demonstration at the island's San Luis aerodrome yesterday.

A Foreign Office spokesman said: "We are aware of the accident involving a light aircraft in Menorca.

"We can confirm two British nationals have died as a result of the crash and we are providing consular assistance."

Bruce Hook, 63, was an experienced pilot who had previously served in the RAF, a colleague said.

He lived in Worcester and for the past 32 years owned a village garage in Lapworth in the West Midlands, where Ian, 26, also worked.

Stephen Esslemont, 44, from Solihull, who rents the garage forecourt, described Bruce as a "kind, considerable and helpful person" and said he was shocked by his death.

"He was well known in the community and everyone liked him," he said. "What's happened is a shock to us all.

"We've sat and talked for many an hour about these kind of things happening to other people but you're really shocked when it happens to someone you know.

"After all the years he's done it you don't expect him to crash.

"He was a very competent pilot."

Bruce, a member of the AWA Flying Group in Coventry, was flying his own plane - a Beech Baron 55 in RAF colours - when the accident happened, he added.

The two men had left the UK on Friday to attend the event in Spain, which Bruce went to every year.

"Ian went to most races with Bruce," said Mr Esslemont. "Bruce looked forward to it every year. It was his hobby. He did it for enjoyment."

Bruce was due to return home to his wife, Brenda Hilvert, on Wednesday.

His son, who lived in Kenilworth, Warwickshire, was unmarried but had a girlfriend, Mr Esslemont said.