Air Show draws near

A record crowd of more than 30,000 is expected for the show, which is being held later than usual '“ on Saturday, September 16, and Sunday, September 17 '“ and coincides with the anniversary of the Battle of Britain.

A recreation of a skirmish between six Spitfires and two Messerschmitts has been arranged to mark the occasion and a service of commemoration will also be held. Show organiser Don Bean said: "It's going to be really exciting this year. We've got the best display we have ever had."

The main attraction at Friday's preview event at Shoreham Airport was The Blades display team, four ace pilots with experience in the RAF Red Arrows. They were chosen by David and Victoria Beckham to entertain their guests at England's pre-World Cup party.

They thrilled the crowd with a series of daring moves, passing each other at high speeds and weaving their smoke trails at heights of just 50ft above the ground.

It was a special day for Tamara Wilkins, who won a competition run by the Rockinghorse Appeal, to wing walk on one of the Utterly Butterly team's planes.

The Blades and the Utterly Butterlys will be among almost 30 aerial displays at the show. On the ground, there will be a motorshow, classic car display, fun fair, trade and craft stalls, as well as clowns, Punch and Judy shows and other entertainments for all ages.

The 17th annual show should also see the total raised for the Royal Air Forces Association's Wings charity top the 1million mark.