A SECOND World War Lancaster bomber will be one of the attractions at this weekend's 16th Sunderland Airshow.

PA474, one of only two still in an airworthy condition, last appeared at the event in 1999 and is expected to be a big draw.

It will fly in with the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, which also includes Hurricane and Spitfire fighters, stalwarts of the fight with the Luftwaffe to hold off the threatened invasion.

The two-day event, on the seafront at Roker and Seaburn, is Europe's biggest free airshow and is expected to attract hundreds of thousands of spectators from all over the country.

PA474 was built in 1945 for the war against Japan in the Far East. The conflict ended before the aircraft could see action, but the Lancasters played a key role throughout the war.

The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight will be in action during the flying programme both tomorrow and Sunday.

Airshow co-ordinator Sue Henderson, said: "We are delighted that in this, the 60th anniversary year of the D-Day landings, we have been able to include the Lancaster as part of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.

"It will be a real spectacle when it flies over the pier."

Other show highlights will include the Red Arrows display team, the RAF Falcons parachute team, RAF jets including the Tornado GR4, Royal Navy helicopters and Dutch and Belgian airforce fighters.

The event takes place from 10am to 6pm on both days, with the flying programme from 1pm to 5.30pm tomorrow and noon to 4pm on Sunday.

On the ground, attractions include the Royal Marine Commando Display Team and the Royal Navy Gun Team from HMS Heron, various displays and entertainment.

Drivers are advised to set off early because of the huge crowd the show generates.

For further details visit the website www.sunderland-airshow.co.uk