THE world acclaimed aerobatics team, the Red Arrows, are to return to the Sunderland International Airshow later this year.

Despite two fatalities involving Red Arrows pilots last year, the RAF’s premier display team is back flying again and will be at the 24th annual airshow in July.

The Red Arrows have made frequent appearances at the country’s largest free airshow over the years and will top the bill on both days this year, on Saturday and Sunday, July 21 and 22.

Hundreds of thousands of spectators are drawn to the coastline at Roker and Seaburn for the annual flying extravaganza.

A programme of supporting events across the city is also being planned to back up the flying programme, including a launch party at Cliffe Park on the evening of Friday July 20.

Sunderland City Council leader Paul Watson welcomed news that the ever popular arrows will be back in the skies over the North Sea coastline this July.

Coun Watson said: "The Red Arrows are the RAF’s premier display team and have a track record of wooing the Sunderland International Airshow crowds.

"It’s great to hear that they’re joining us again in Sunderland for our airshow.

"Once again they will be showcasing the excellence and professionalism of our armed forces personnel.

"I know everyone will be looking forward to seeing the Red Arrows alongside the rest of this year’s line-up."

The Red Arrows’ Hawk jets reach speeds of up to 550mph during their routines.

Appearing at dozens of airshows and events across the world every year, the team first appeared at the Sunderland airshow in 1992.

The flying routines will take place between 10am and 6pm on both days, with a full programme of activity in both the air and on the ground across the weekend to be confirmed nearer to the event.

The RAF was rocked by deaths of Red Arrows pilots during a flying routine at an annual air festival in Bournemouth, Dorset, last August, and in an ejector seat accident on the ground at a Lincolnshire air base in November.

· Normally held on the last weekend of July, this year’s airshow has been brought forward by a week as the Olympics Games in London start the following week.

All airshow displays are subject to weather and operational restrictions.

Further information is available on www.sunderlandevents.com and www.raf.mod.uk/reds/, or by ringing 0191-553 2000.