A CRACK team of parachutists will be among the highlights when Europe’s biggest military base throws open its doors to the public.

The Black Knights from the 14th Regiment Royal Artillery will be dropping into the arena at Catterick Garrison in North Yorkshire on June 20.

They became a full-time squad dedicated to display and competition work in 1980 and are now firmly established as one of the top parachute display teams in the country.

And at what is one of the most popular one-day shows in the North the Army will also be rolling out its military muscle and big guns to ensure the general public are given a real treat.

There will also be spectacular displays by the 1st Battalion The Mercian Regiment which will stage a battle scene) and another by the Richmondshire Area Motorcycle Project.

Organiser Major Steve Robinson said: "Although these are very busy times for the British Army as a whole the servicemen and women based at Catterick Garrison really look forward to putting on a first class open day and enjoy it as much as the visitors.

"I am confident this year will be no different and when you have world renowned performers such as The Black Knights I am sure the visitors will not be disappointed."

The open day runs from 10am to 4pm at Marne Barracks, just off the A1. Admission is free.