The pilot who broke the world air speed record in 1953, at more than 727mph off the Sussex coast, will return to the county's skies this weekend.

Neville Duke, who set the record in his WB188 Hawker Hunter aircraft between Littlehampton and Kingston Gorse, returns as patron of the Shoreham Air Show, sponsored by The Argus.

A print of a painting of the moment Mr Duke broke the world record will help raise cash for former servicemen.

It was originally captured on film by Peter Champion, now an aviation artist.

He is hoping the pilot will sign the print to be auctioned for the Royal Air Forces Association.

Recalling the event, Mr Champion, of Ladies Mile Road, Patcham, Brighton, said: "It was absolutely breathtaking. At the time, it was the fastest thing in the world.

"I was on leave from the Royal Navy and was in Littlehampton. I took some black and white photographs.

"Neville Duke was one of the world's top test pilots. He did two consecutive runs, east-to-west and west-to-east and they took the average speed.

"He did a number of runs over the week and they took the best consecutive runs - which averaged 727.63 mph.

Mr Champion, 67, an aviation artist for 30 years, produced the picture of Mr Duke's feat two years ago.

He has regularly donated works for use at the Shoreham Air Show - which this weekend will also feature displays by a Harrier GR7, Lancaster, Spitfire and Kittyhawk during a six-hour programme.

Parachutists, Russian aerobatics experts and wing walkers will also take to the skies, with the likes of skater Jayne Torvill and police dog display teams on the ground.

Mr Duke will fly in on Sunday.