The rocket men – in pictures

Rocket enthusiasts attempt to spot a rocket which has just been launched at International Rocket Week, an annual event held at Lapwing Lodge and Fairlie Moor in Ayrshire. Photograph: Robert Ormerod

A rocket launch at International Rocket Week. Photograph: Robert Ormerod

A rocket takes to the sky, leaving a contrail in its wake. Photograph: Robert Ormerod

The workshop at Lapwing Lodge, where rockets are prepared for launch. Photograph: Robert Ormerod/Robert Ormerod

A poster explains how to retrieve a rocket. Photograph: Robert Ormerod

A rocket in the early stages of construction. Photograph: Robert Ormerod

A participant tests one of the parachutes used to return rockets to Earth. Photograph: Robert Ormerod

A participant puts the finishing touches to his rocket. Photograph: Robert Ormerod

Malcolm Jennings, 68, is one of two main vendors of rocket parts in the UK. He travels around the UK selling his wares at various rocketing events, and often sleeps in his car. Photograph: Robert Ormerod

Enthusiasts attempt to spot a rocket that has just been launched. Photograph: Robert Ormerod

Andrew Issiott, 53, a fire alarm engineer, has been interested in rocketry for 15 years and has met some of his best friends through IRW. Photograph: Robert Ormerod

Rockets await their big moment at IRW. Photograph: Robert Ormerod

Adrian Hurt, a 52-year-old technician at Heriot-Watt University, poses with one of his creations. Photograph: Robert Ormerod

The organiser of International Rocket Week, John Bonsor, 62. Photograph: Robert Ormerod

Aeryn Waddington, 10, from Halifax, has been interested in rockets since she was a toddler, and has been going to IRW with her family for the last four years Photograph: Robert Ormerod

Katie Grimley, 24, and Shaun Longhorn, 27, show off their rockets. Photograph: Robert Ormerod

Another day, another launch at International Rocket Week. Photograph: Robert Ormerod