This is the terrifying moment a quick-thinking pilot aborts a plane landing after winds of up to 70mph blew it off course.

The Monarch Airbus A320 abandoned its landing at Manchester Airport as strong winds swept across the north west of the UK.

Five planes were diverted from the airport on Sunday as a result of the high winds.

Simon Whittaker, who used to fly planes himself, was on his way for a coffee at the Airport Hotel Pub when he spotted how the treacherous weather was affecting incoming flights and started filming.

He said the winds were so strong he even struggled to keep his camera steady.

Mr Whittaker's video shows the plane gradually descending for touch-down during heavy rain and gales.

A violent crosswind then suddenly blows the plane off course as it lurches from side to side with its landing gear down and lights on.

The captain immediately notices the danger, aborts the landing, pulls up and climbs the aircraft.

Mr Whittaker, 51, said the pilot seemed "in control of the plane throughout the aborted landing" in response to the extreme weather.

He added: "The Monarch just drifted off the centre line at the last moment. It must have been a crosswind. The pilot used their discretion and must have decided not to land."

"The pilot would have been fully in control of the aircraft at all times. It would have been scary for the passengers as it was all over the place in the air."

A spokeswoman for Manchester Airport said three planes were diverted to East Midlands Airport including two Monarch flights and another two went to Birmingham Airport.

Storm Coldagh wreaked havoc across the UK with trains delayed, traffic held up on motorways and flights delayed over the weekend as heavy rain and strong winds hit Scotland and the north west of England.

The severe weather left thousands of homes without power in Greater Manchester and several trees and roofs on shops were brought down.