WHOEVER came up with the idea to use a North Sea ferry as a vantage point for the Sunderland International Air Show, it was a good one.

The DFDS cruise ship King Seaways arrives from Amsterdam on Saturday morning and before the overnight return sailing, it fills the gap by taking 800 spectators to Sunderland to watch the air show from the sea.

The air show from the sea trip has become so popular over the past few years, it sells out in days.

From North Shields to Sunderland allows just enough time for lunch in the Seven Seas restaurant on board and then it's a sea view of the spectacular aviation action.

And what a view it is - from the modern, exhilarating power of the Eurofighter Typhoon to the romantic treat of a Spitfire and Hurricane from The Battle of Britain flight.

Sadly, King Seaway had to get back to North Shields before The Red Arrows had arrived, which must have been a particular disappointment for Oscar Simon, six, and brother Leyton, three, from South Shields, who had turned up at the ferry terminal in Red Arrows caps, outfits and carrying blow up Red Arrows jets.

Nevertheless, it was a lovely way to see one of the North-East's most popular events.