The Royal Air Force has revealed why one of its aircraft was circling in parts of north Powys on Thursday evening.

An Atlas C.1 (A400M) was spotted above Welshpool, Berriew, Abermule, Llanfyllin and Lake Vyrnwy on July 1.

Mid Wales Airport near Welshpool captured on video the large aircraft, which is capable of carrying more than 100 fully-equipped troops, flying low over the runway at around 5.40pm.

Watch the video here:

County Times: RAF Atlas A400M circling above Welshpool on July 1, 2021. Picture by Stephen Probert/ Powys County Times Camera ClubRAF Atlas A400M circling above Welshpool on July 1, 2021. Picture by Stephen Probert/ Powys County Times Camera Club

A spokesperson for RAF Brize Norton said: "The A400M was conducting essential training. This is something all of our aircraft do, at different airports around the country."

The aircraft can carry a 37-tonne load over 2,000 nautical miles, and can do "impressive" low-level flying, according to the Royal Air Force.

It can carry as many as 116 fully-equipped troops; vehicles; helicopters, including a Chinook; mixed loads, including nine aircraft pallets and 54 passengers.

The aircraft is based at RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire, and is flown by the 206 Squadron, LXX Squadron and the XXIV Squadron.