MORE than 140,000 visitors are expected to flock to the county's largest air show this weekend.

Organisers say they are gearing up for hot weather and huge crowds for the 15th RAF Waddington International Air Show.

The charity event, taking place tomorrow and Sunday is set to feature daring aerial displays from some of the world's top flying teams.

Squadron Leader Paul Sall is set to take over from Colin Reeves as air show director at the end of the month.

Sq Ldr Sall said: "We are expecting it to be slightly quieter than last year, but there should still be about 140,000 people through the gates.

"One theme is marking the 70th anniversary of the Battle Of Britain, and we're planning a re-enactment of air field attacks and aerial dogfights, complete with air raid sirens and explosions.

"For the second theme we will commemorate 90 years of RAF air shows, as the first aerial pageant took place at RAF Hendon on July 3, 1920. And the final theme is centred around the E-3D Sentry spy plane, which first landed at RAF Waddington 20 years ago."

The plan is for the three main aircraft based at RAF Waddington – the E-3D Sentry, Nimrod R1 and Sentinel R1 – to open the show on both days with a fly-past.

Other highlights for the show – which is aimed at being a family day out as well as feast for the aircraft enthusiast – will include an exhibition of remotely-piloted vehicles and a second hangar featuring many interactive displays.

There will also be shopping, a fun fair and live music.

Monks Road resident Alison Hewitt, 34, said: "The air show is a real treat for the family as we can include my children and grandparents, so it's a full day out. I just hope the traffic problems will be improved this year."

Cut-price tickets can be bought until the end of today from city branches of HSBC bank, Alliance And Leicester and Morrisons. They cost £18 for adults, £8 for children aged five to 15 and under-fives go free.

A special advance family ticket covering two adults and two children is also on offer until the end of today. It costs £42. Tickets bought on the gates will cost £22 per adult and £10 for children.

For full details on ticket sales, visit www.waddingtonairshow.co.uk or pick up a copy of the Echo's special air show supplement, available from most newspaper sellers and the Echo office.