A light aircraft was forced to make an emergency landing at Ascot Racecourse yesterday evening.

A crew from Bracknell fire station were called to the scene in High Street as a precaution at around 6.45pm, after the pilot of the light aircraft had to land at the venue.

Fire fighter Ben Henshaw said: "We were called to the controlled landing of an aircraft at the racecourse.

"No fire fighters were needed, it was a case of going there and making sure the scene was safe.

"The pilot couldn't get to the intended destination so had to make an emergency landing in the middle of the racecourse."

The Red Bull Air Race will take place at the racecourse on Saturday August 13 and Sunday August 14.

Ashley Morton-Hunte, spokeswoman for Ascot Racecourse, said: "As I understand it, the pilot had a problem whilst in the air and managed to land on the jumps course after speaking to air traffic control (not the track we are using for racing until late October).

"Fortunately, no one was hurt."

She added the aircraft was awaiting mechanical assistance on Sunday afternoon before it could be moved off.

James Williams, spokesman for Thames Valley Police, said: "We were called to this at 6.17pm on Saturday.

"The plane landed at Ascot Racecourse at about 6.30pm.

"According to our log, the pilot and passenger were not injured."