Air display under threat

The annual air display costs about £125,000 to stage

Jersey's annual Battle of Britain air display could be in jeopardy if more sponsors are not found for next year's event.

The island's tourism department made up a £26,000 shortfall in funding this year after two major sponsors pulled out.

The Battle of Britain display is put on for free, with no profits being made, so organisers have to rely on sponsorship to run it.

All the money collected during the week goes to the Royal Air Force Association charity.

The display costs about £125,000 to stage, but this year two major sponsors pulled out of the event, because they were leaving the island.

Maintain reputation

Organiser Mike Higgins said new sponsors would have to be found for 2004 to ensure the display could maintain its reputation for being the best free air show in Europe.

This year's display, on 11 September, will be opened by a B-52 bomber which saw active service in Iraq.

It will end with a flypast by the Red Arrows.

There will be live coverage of the event on BBC Radio Jersey.