Battle of Britain flight to lead seaside airshow

A flight commemorating the Battle of Britain is set to top the bill at a seaside town's famous airshow this summer.

Taking to the skies at Clacton Airshow in Essex will be a Supermarine Spitfire and Hawker Hurricane, as well as the Red Arrows.

The programme of flights has been planned across 21 and 22 August to mark the 32nd edition of the event, with the line-up confirmed on Thursday.

Ivan Henderson, deputy leader of Tendring District Council, said aircraft fans continued to be "captivated" by the displays.

"Experiencing these majestic and iconic planes – symbols of the Battle of Britain and numerous other Second World War missions – is truly unforgettable," he added.

The Red Arrows will take flight on both days after missing out on last year's show.

Organisers at the council promised a "poignant commemoration" marking 80 years since the end of World War Two.

They said the Supermarine Spitfire was "critical" in defeating Luftwaffe air attacks in 1940.

Alongside the Hawker Hurricane, it will also be joined by a Douglas C47 Dakota at the event broadcast live by BBC Essex.

"The powerful roar of the engines is a signature sound of the Clacton Airshow," added Henderson, a Labour councillor.

The aircraft are flown by RAF crew to keep them in good condition while paying tribute to those who have died in the line of duty.

An RAF Grob Tutor T1, described as "easy to handle and fully aerobatic", was among other planes due to feature.

Henderson said: "This year's Clacton Airshow promises to be an extraordinary event, with even more flights to be revealed in the coming months."

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