JONATHAN REDHEAD The Royal Air Force gave Lowestoft's Air Show another massive boost last night, amid promises the 10th anniversary event would be "bigger and better" than ever.

JONATHAN REDHEAD

The Royal Air Force gave Lowestoft's Air Show another massive boost last night, amid promises the 10th anniversary event would be "bigger and better" than ever.

As well as the Red Arrows, the RAF has confirmed a whole host of military aircraft will be at the show in July.

Lowestoft Seafront Air Festival's chairman and managing director, Graham Cooke, said the festival was "extremely indebted" to the RAF and their contribution had been beyond "wildest hopes".

Visitors to the show, on Thursday and Friday July 27 and 28, can expect to see the RAF's latest frontline supersonic jet, the £45m Typhoon and the crowd-pleasing BAe Harrier GR7.

Although the aircraft have both previously performed at the festival, which regularly attracts crowds of up to 350,000, it will be the first time they have been there together.

The RAF has also announced that Lowestoft will be getting the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, including a Lancaster, Hurricane and Spitfire, the solo BAe T1 Hawk and the Shorts Tucano T1 trainer.

It is hoped a RAF Sea King search and rescue helicopter will also make an appearance on one of the two days.

"Once again we are extremely indebted to the RAF for their continued support and I am pleased to say that their contribution this year is beyond our wildest hopes," Mr Cooke said.

"We put in our request to the RAF's participation committee for the 2006 show last September and when you consider that all air show organisers throughout the country are doing the same then we are very fortunate to receive confirmation of this fantastic allocation."

More flying displays are still being lined up to provide at least four hours of action on both days.

For further information check out the air festival website at: www.lowestoftairfestival.co.uk