SUNDERLAND'S adopted warship will arrive tomorrow for the city's international airshow.

The helicopter carrier, which recently returned from the conflict in Iraq, will dock at Corporation Quay.

Youngsters from Boldon Comprehensive School will sail into harbour on the 21,000-tonne HMS Ocean.

During its five-day visit, the ship and its crew will be given the freedom of the city.

On Tuesday, between 10.30am and 4.30pm, members of the public will be able to go on board. Thousands of people are expected to take the opportunity.

Meanwhile, hundreds of thousands of people are expected to visit the airshow, on the seafront at Seaburn and Roker, today and tomorrow.

Attractions include the Red Arrows display team, The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight and the RAF Falcons parachute team.

The free event is expected to bring millions of pounds into the local economy as visitors travel from all parts of the country.

Rachael Bowley, assistant manager of the city's Tourist Information Centre, said: "We are always very busy in the run up to the big event but this year the phones have been going crazy.

"We have been inundated with phone enquiries from visitors all over the country, in particular people from Yorkshire and Cumbria, who intend to stay in the city over the weekend.''

The show will take place between 10am and 6pm on both days.

The flying programme is from 1pm to 5.30pm today and noon and 4pm tomorrow.

On-the-ground attractions include the Royal Marine Commando Display Team and the Royal Navy Gun Team from HMS Heron as well as various displays and entertainment.

Drivers are advised to leave early because of expected large crowds. A park-and-ride bus service will run from 9am, from Fulwell Quarry and Downhill Community Sports Complex. For more details, see www.sunderland-airshow.co.uk