MORE than a million people are expected to attend Europe's biggest air show this weekend.

The 15th Sunderland International Air Show, at Seaburn and Roker, will be marked with a guest appearance by HMS Ocean - the city's adopted warship, just returned from the Gulf.

HMS Ocean, the Royal Marines Commando Display Team and Royal Navy helicopters will combine to perform a dramatic display over the water.

The three divisions of the armed forces will stage a hostage rescue demonstration and save a VIP from a "captured" vessel.

Gazelle, Lynx and Sea King helicopters will be scrambled and 20 Royal Marines will make a daring descent down ropes to overcome the hijackers.

The programme includes crowd favourites, the Red Arrows aerobatic display team, which will open the show on Saturday and close proceedings on Sunday.

Adding an international flavour to the event will be the Royal Netherlands Air Force F16 and Alpha Jet and Royal Jordanian Falcons.

In addition, all the old favourites will be back, including the Tornado, Hawk, Nimrod, Merlin helicopters, Falcons Parachute Team and the Dakota, Spitfire and Hurricane, from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.

The airshow takes place from 10am to 6pm tomorrow and Sunday, with the flying programme from 1pm to 5pm tomorrow and 11.45am to 4pm on Sunday.

Activities in the arena include an appearance from the Kings Division Waterloo Band and display by Brize Norton Dog Team.

The RAF Townshow will include a static Tornado jet and Red Arrow Hawk.

Children's entertainment at Bede's Cross includes simulator rides, a climbing wall, bouncy castle and paintballing.

To ensure the safety of children, a wristband scheme has been launched. Wristbands can be picked up at Sunderland Tourist Information Centre, in Fawcett Street, and from official information points, car parks and park and ride sites.

A park-and-ride service will operate from 9am to 7.30pm both days from Fulwell Quarry and Downhill Community North Sports Complex, at £3 a car.

There will be limited car parking at Seafront, at £5 per car, while parking for blue badge holders at Ocean Park, Seaburn, is free.

Tomorrow, bus services 18, 19, 21, 23, 24, E1, E2, E3 and E6 go to Seaburn seafront, and on Sunday, services 22, E1, E2 and E6. The nearest Metro stations are Seaburn and Stadium of Light.