The majority of drone owners in the UK are over 50 and male, according to new research.

The study by DronesDirect.co.uk found that over-55s are most likely to own a drone (31%), followed by people aged 45-54 (28%).

Just one in ten consumers aged 18 to 24 and 12% of 25-34 year olds own a drone. One in five 35-44 year olds said they currently own one. A vast majority of drone users are male (96%).

68% of those who had started droning in the past 12 months credited photography as the reason for taking up the hobby.

“It’s great to see such a variety of generations embracing new technology and taking to the skies,” commented Mark Kelly, marketing manager at DronesDirect.co.uk. “Droning is no longer a niche hobby enjoyed solely by early adopters, and is being enjoyed by a wider proportion of society.

“The older generations may have higher disposable incomes and sometimes have more free time which could be a contributing factor to the soaring popularity. A rise in ownership among the older demographics can also be attributed to the flying gadgets being gifted as Christmas and birthday presents in recent years.”