Last Swordfish is star of show

The Fairey Swordfish plane has not flown for nine years

One of the highlights at the 2008 Air Show at RNAS Yeovilton in Somerset will be a "fly-in" of vintage naval planes.

The last flying Fairey Swordfish, famed for its role in the sinking of the German battleship Bismarck, will be giving its first display in nine years.

There will also be modern military planes on show including the Typhoon, the RAF's latest combat aircraft.

RNAS Yeovilton is one of Europe's busiest airfields and is home to the Sea King and Lynx helicopters.

Rare sight

The Air Day's theme is 'Maritime Air' and the event is expected to attract 40,000 visitors.

People will be able to watch the world's only wingwalking team - Team Guinot - and the aerobatics of the Royal Jordanian Falcons.

There will also be a chance to see the United States Air Force's B-52 Sratofortress strategic bomber which is a rare sight outside of the US.

Commander Mark Walker of RNAS Yeovilton said: "This is an exciting day. The Fairey Swordfish has not flown for nine years - this is by far the star of the show on Saturday.

"We chose a theme of 'Maritime Air' and we're looking at the utility of air power from the sea. We've got a mixture of historic, modern and the future here at the airshow - it's not just the navy.

"We have civilian and military, old and new and it looks like it's going to be a very exciting day."

The Air Day starts at 0900 BST on 5 July at RNAS Yeovilton.