A plane heard flying over Worcester for three days has been testing out a new piece of military equipment The Worcester News was inundated with calls about a low-flying Hercules circling over the city yesterday.

A spokesman for the Ministry Of Defence complaints and inquiries unit, which deals with complaints about low-flying aircraft, confirmed one had been received.

A spokesman said the plane, from RAF Lyneham, had been trying out a new piece of equipment as part of a three-day trial but the MoD refused to confirm what the equipment was for.

The plane was heard by readers across the city including Wyld's Lane, Tennis Walk, Barbourne and Spetchley Road.

Colin Prince, of Whitewood Way, Whittington, said: "I was having a lie down when I heard a droning noise.

"I came outside and saw a Hercules going round. I wondered whether it was testing the radar. I did wonder if it was in trouble because there didn't seem to be any logic to the way it was circling."

One resident, who didn't want to give his name, said it was flying over all day on Wednesday and resumed from 8am yesterday.

He said: "I have been aware of it - it's still droning on now and I can see it's a Hercules through my binoculars."