The Goodyear Blimp has been captured in photos leaving its temporary base in Upminster to bring its rare UK tour to an end.
The blimp departed from Damyns Hall Aerodrome today (July 14) as part of its latest European tour and was captured by photographer Peter Barrett.
It has begun its return journey to its airfield near Cologne in Germany.
The Goodyear Blimp began its UK journey on July 1, crossing the English Channel from Calais-Dunkerque Airport before travelling over Kent and following the Thames into London.
The official start of its UK tour began on July 3 with a flight over central London.
Aviation editor and passenger Jürgen Schelling previously spoke to the Recorder, describing the flying experience as "really the most beautiful way of flying".
Mr Schelling, who flew in the craft on July 3, said: "It's a wonderful experience flying in an airship.
"You can start vertically like a helicopter, but the flight is much smoother - no vibrations.
"And you have as [a] passenger [get] plenty of legroom and really big windows to look outside.
"The Zeppelin NT you can see starting and landing [over] the next [few] days at Damyns Hall is exceptionally agile for its size."
The blimp was based at Damyns Hall during its stay in the UK, which included an appearance at Goodwood Festival of Speed.
The craft - which carries the Flightradar24 registration D-LZFN and can be tracked in real time online - sparked a flurry of sightings from across London during its stay.
Many residents took to social media to share photographs and videos of the distinctive shape travelling over the city.
This year’s tour marks Goodyear’s 101st year of operation and also celebrates the 75th anniversary of its Luxembourg operations.
Goodyear say on its website that the airship's top speed is 78 mph.
The blimp first flew over British skies in June 1972 over Cardington, Bedfordshire.
Over history, it has appeared at Charles and Diana's royal wedding in 1981, the 1980 FA Cup Final, and Live Aid at Wembley in 1985.
It also landed at Damyns Hall during the London 2012 Olympic Games.
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