HUNDREDS of thousands of people are expected to converge on Wearside this weekend to enjoy an action-packed programme at Europe's biggest air show.

Now in its 14th year, the Sunderland International Air Show at Seaburn and Roker will feature old favourites and new acts tomorrow and Sunday.

Event co-ordinator Sue Henderson said: "We have put together a colourful programme for this year's airshow, which we hope will keep everyone entertained, from aircraft enthusiasts to families enjoying a day out."

Topping the bill will be the RAF's flying display team, The Red Arrows, which will close events on the first day at 5.15pm tomorrow and open the second day at noon on Sunday.

The nine high-speed jets will leave trails of red, white and blue as they perform their manoeuvres, including two new sequences in celebration of the Queen's golden jubilee.

Returning to this year's programme is the Royal Jordanians Falcons formation team, which last appeared at the event in 1995.

In addition, front line fighter planes the Jaguar and Sea Harrier will inject speed and drama into the event, while the Hurricane and Spitfire from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight will give visitors a glimpse into aviation history.

Other highlights include the RAF Falcons and Red Devils Parachute Teams and the Blue Eagles Helicopter Display Team.

There is also a packed programme on the ground, including a 20-minute performance by Hear'Say at 11.20am on Sunday.

Other attractions can be found at Seaburn Showfield where there will be a funfair, entertainers, inflatables, quad bikes and face painting.

The flying displays take place from 1pm to 5.40pm tomorrow and from noon to 4.30pm on Sunday.

The following buses will serve Seaburn seafront on Saturday: 18, 19, 21, 24, E1, E2, E3 and E6, with the 22, E1, E2 and E6 operating on Sunday.

A special service, the 510, will run on both days from Fawcett Street , in Sunderland city centre, stopping at the Wheatsheaf, Stadium of Light and Seaburn Metro stations, and the airshow. The nearest Metro station is Seaburn.

A shuttle service will run from Fulwell Quarry and Community North Sports Complex, Downhill. It costs £3 per vehicle and the sites are signposted from all the major routes into the city.

Parking will be available at Seaburn Showfield and South Bents Playing Fields at £5 per vehicle. Temporary car parks will also be in operation. Parking for orange and blue badge holders is at Ocean Park, Seaburn.

Aircraft and teams in action

ARMY: The Blue Eagles

RAF: The Red Arrows; Jaguar GR3; Hawk T1; Tucano T1; Nimrod MR2; The Tutor; Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (Spitfire, pictured, and Hurricane)

ROYAL NAVY: Sea Harrier; Merlin; Lynx Mk8; Sea King Mk4

PARACHUTE TEAMS: The Red Devils; The RAF Falcons

OVERSEAS VISITORS: Royal Netherlands Air Force F16; Royal Netherlands Air Force PC7; Royal Jordanian Falcons; Belgian Air Force F16; Belgian Air Force Fouga Magister; Belgian Air Force Alpha Jet

CIVILIAN: Team Alpine - Gold Air International