Five hours of flying displays and an array of static aeroplanes are the big attractions at Shoreham's Royal Jubilee Battle of Britain air show.

This year's Royal Air Forces Association Airshow at Shoreham Airport is sponsored by The Argus.

Taking place on Saturday August 31 and Sunday, September 1, with gates opening at 10am each day, the event will feature a flying display longer than any previously held at the show.

They will be divided into slots and one will be a First World War section with ground attacks and support by the Royal Victorian Military Society, giving an insight into the sights and sounds of the 1914-18 war.

There will be aerobatic display teams plus Royal Marines action with Sea King helicopters, a Second World War pageant featuring a Battle of Britain flight and displays by the Mustang, Blenheim, Spitfires, Hurricanes, the Royal Navy Firefly and Swordfish.

The show will then move on to more modern forms of jet powered aviation, including the Danish F16 display team, RAF Hawk, Harriers, BAC Strikemaster, Hawker Hunter and the De Havilland Venom.

The RAF Falcons Parachute teams will also be in action and Danny Dobson will be flying under a tape set at 15ft, the only UK display pilot cleared to do this.

On top of this, the Yakolevs 4 and Dennis Kenyon will be thrilling the crowds with their award-winning helicopter display.

A new display arena will play host to bands from the Royal Marines, children's entertainers and displays from a variety of services.

And this year's show will be attended by celebrities Warren Mitchell, known as TV's Alf Garnett, and Ian Lavender, the bumbling Home Guard officer Pike from Dad's Army. A lookalike Dad's Army crew will also be on hand.

The event will provide the largest static display the Shoreham Airshow has held and an opportunity to meet the pilots and look around aircraft, including the Hercules.

Visitors can also enjoy a classic car rally, wingwalking and a fun fair.

The show, which attracts thousands of people from all over the country, has improved car parking and road access and a park-and-ride facility from Shoreham station provided by South Central Trains.

John Periam, a spokesman for the show, said: "This year the organisers, under Don Bean MBE, have worked overtime to try to make it a display to celebrate the Queen's Jubilee year, Her Majesty having written a message on page 1 of the programme."

For those with cameras, there will be a photographic competition, with the winner having their snap featured in next year's programme with a VIP visit to the show's press unit.

Entries should be sent to John Periam, RAFA Shoreham Airshow, Shoreham Airport, West Sussex, BN43 5FF. The closing date is November 1.

The programme and tickets for the event are available from The Argus outlets and on The Argus telephone line on 01273 743123. Tickets in advance cost £9 for adults and £5 for children. If bought on the gate, adult tickets are £12 and children £6.