After 2016's record-breaking Old Buckenham Airshow, organisers are pulling out all the stops to make this year's event the best one yet.

Eastern Daily Press: Respected pilot Rod Dean will be at the Old Buckenham Airshow in July. Picture: Rod DeanRespected pilot Rod Dean will be at the Old Buckenham Airshow in July. Picture: Rod Dean (Image: Archant)

A rare new addition to the line-up has been announced and is sure to be a treat for aircraft enthusiasts.

The much-loved P-51 Mustang - known as The Shark - will be flying above the south Norfolk skies on both days this summer.

Eastern Daily Press: Crowd-pleaser, Old Buckenham Airshow 2016 keeping people entertained in the air on on the ground. Photo : Steve AdamsCrowd-pleaser, Old Buckenham Airshow 2016 keeping people entertained in the air on on the ground. Photo : Steve Adams (Image: Copyright Archant Norfolk 2016)

Operated by the Norwegian Flying Academy, The Shark gets its name from the distinctive paint scheme to its nose.

The plane, often described as the American Spitfire, was built in 1945 and believed to be used by the United States Army Air Force for training. It is the only Mustang in RAF livery.

Eastern Daily Press: The Hurricane will make a flying visit to the Old Buckenham Airshow. Picture: Richard PaverThe Hurricane will make a flying visit to the Old Buckenham Airshow. Picture: Richard Paver (Image: copyright Richard Paver 2015)

Another aviation icon will be making a welcome return to the airshow - respected and experienced pilot Rod Dean.

Mr Dean spent 21 years in the RAF and became an expert in an array of fighter and bomber jets.

Since 1984 he has displayed just about every type of aircraft including the Spitfire, Mustang and Hurricane and he will also be appearing on both July 29 and 30.

Eastern Daily Press: Pilot Brendan O'Brien will bring his Flying Circus to this year's Old Buckenham Airshow. The newest addition to the circus is Otto the helicopter who will be making his East Anglian airshow debut. Picture: O'Brien's Flying CircusPilot Brendan O'Brien will bring his Flying Circus to this year's Old Buckenham Airshow. The newest addition to the circus is Otto the helicopter who will be making his East Anglian airshow debut. Picture: O'Brien's Flying Circus (Image: Archant)

The two acts join the other confirmed acts which include a Hawker Hurricane, a spitfire and the surprise hit act of last year's show, Extra and the Model – an aerobatic plane which completes stunts alongside a 41pc scale model.

MORE - Iconic warbird the Hurricane will join the Spitfire at the Old Buckenham Airshow

Pilot Brendan O'Brien and his Flying Circus team, which includes his helicopter Otto, which has a yoyo attached to it, will also be attending.

Last year the airshow, of which the Eastern Daily Press is a media partner, was a record-breaker with 5,000 visitors over the two days.

Aside from the air displays, there will be tank rides, virtual flying experiences offered by Sim-Fly and a wide range of refreshments.

MORE - Respected pilot Brendan O'Brien will bring his Flying Circus to the Old Buckenham Airshow

Airshow organiser Matt Wilkins said: 'This year is shaping up to be the best yet for Old Buckenham.

'The Shark is an extraordinary aircraft and the preserve of the largest airshows. Rod Dean can truly be described as the grandmaster of modern aviation and our enhancements on the ground, with the new beers from Saffron and SimFly's new Combat simulator ensures that we're living up to last year's tourism award as Family Event of the Year.'

For more information about tickets click here