AEROBATIC aces will headline the biggest free air show in Europe when it is held in the North-East later this month

Spectators at the Sunderland International Airshow will be able to see a display by the Red Arrows as the closing event.

Airshow director Peter Chapman said: "We are delighted that as part of their 40th birthday celebrations, the Red Arrows will be flying at Sunderland.

"Their displays are always a highlight of the show and I look forward to seeing what amazing new manoeuvres they have introduced to mark 40 years of breathtaking flying."

Adding an international flavour will be the Royal Netherlands Air Force F16 and the Belgian Air Force F16 and Alpha Jet.

All the favourites will be back including the Tornado, Jaguar, Hawk, Sea Harrier, Nimrod, Tucano, Lynx Helicopter, Falcons Parachute Team, and the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.

Not all the action is confined to the air and activities featuring the Royal Navy Field Gun Team and the Royal Marines Commando Display Team have been planned for the ground.

Out at sea, Sunderland's adopted ship HMS Ocean makes a guest appearance for the second year running.

The Royal Navy's largest vessel will demonstrate its capabilities as part of a five-day visit to Sunderland, during which it will become the first recipients of an honorary freedom since Sunderland became a city in 1992.

The award will be made in recognition of the contribution made by the officers and crew to the community spirit of the city.

The airshow will also have displays, exhibitions and entertainment areas.

Visitors can sit in a fighter jet or have their photograph taken next to a Red Arrow Hawk at the RAF Townshow.

The Royal Navy careers display will include a Sea King helicopter and a survival display and at the Army display, visitors can see an Apache helicopter.

Sunderland International Airshow takes place at Roker and Seaburn between 10am and 6pm on Saturday, July 24, and Sunday July 25.

The flying programme is held between approximately 1pm and 5.30pm on Saturday and between 12pm and 4pm on Sunday.