RAF jet trip for Sir Chris Hoy in Fife

The RAF salutes Scotland's Olympic champion Sir Chris Hoy by taking him on a supersonic flight in a Typhoon combat aircraft

Olympic champion Sir Chris Hoy swapped his bike for a Royal Air Force Typhoon as he took to the skies above Scotland.

The six-times gold medal-winning cyclist boarded the aircraft during a visit to RAF Leuchars in Fife.

The jets, which can fly at twice the speed of sound, had been based at RAF Northolt in west London throughout the Olympic Games to provide air security.

Sir Chris joined 6 Squadron for the 60-minute flight which saw him fly as high as 30,000ft (9,144m).

The Edinburgh cyclist said: "It was absolutely incredible. It's very difficult to explain just how exciting that was to be up there and what a thrill it was.

"I feel very privileged to be asked to come here and take part in this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

"I was in sheer awe of the machinery and how the aircraft operates, and the pilot as well. I'm full of admiration for the skills these guys have."

The Typhoon is the RAF's multi-role combat aircraft, with crews on stand-by all year round at the Fife base.

Wing Commander Roddy Dennis flew the aircraft with Sir Chris as a passenger up to Orkney and then back down over the Highlands.

Sir Chris took over the controls as the Typhoon travelled just off the coast of St Andrews in Fife.

Wing Cdr Dennis said: "It was fantastic. When the opportunity came for Sir Chris to come to Leuchars and for us to take him flying, we didn't want to miss that.

"He took control and did a loop and was a bit of a natural. With someone like him, with his skill and natural ability, it was great to get him in the back seat.

"We gave him a quick brief and he picked it up very quickly and he absolutely loved it, it was great fun."