Organisers of the Shoreham Air Show are enforcing an exclusion zone around the event to minimise casualties in the event of an accident.

Visitors who do not buy a ticket to get into the show have been warned they will get nowhere near this year's two-day event, starting next Saturday, as more security guards and barriers are being deployed around the perimeter of Shoreham airport.

Nearby Mill Hill, a popular spot for non-ticket holders trying to get a good vantage point, is also being closed off by police.

Air show spokesman John Periam said: "The reason is safety. If a plane went down anywhere, it's more than likely to go into the Downs near the airport. It's not because we are being mean about it."

Organisers are nevertheless hoping for record crowds at this year's show, sponsored by The Argus, when the skies will buzz with planes of every shape and size.

Visitors will be able to enjoy a six-hour air programme including displays by a J Class Hercules, used in the Gulf War, a BAe Strikemaster and Harrier GR7, a Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Lancaster, Spitfire and Hurricane, a Kittyhawk and a De Havilland Sea Vixen.

There will also be displays by the Falcons parachutists, a Russian aerobatic team, the four Yakovlevs, and the Sussex Police helicopter, mid-air abseiling by the Royal Marines and wing walking.

Starring on the ground will be Olympic ice skater Jayne Torvill, the Royal Marines unarmed combat team, the police dog display team, marching bands, Punch 'n' Judy and the Kordinis magic show.

There will be a craft marquee, a Chinook helicopter, a C130 Hercules, a Dakota, a Tornado and a classic car rally.

Battle of Britain pilots will sign autographs and books on both days.

The show's patron this year is Neville Duke, who will fly in on Sunday. In 1953, he flew his Hawker Hunter along the coast between Littlehampton and Newhaven and broke the sound barrier.

Stands will feature the Infantry Recruiting Team, 47 Regiment Royal Artillery, the Army Air Corps, the Royal Logistic Corp, the Irish Guards, the Princess of Wales' Royal Regiment and the Sussex Army Cadet Force. The Irish Guards will be have a paintball range for people to try their hand at firing weapons in a safe and controlled environment.

The Argus ticket hotline is now closed but tickets can be bought for £14 and £7 on the gate.