Stealth, the frontline US fighter jet, will swoop into the North-East to make a debut visit as part of this year's Sunderland International Airshow, it has been revealed.

The aircraft, designed to be invisible to radar, will be a highlight for the thousands of people who attend the event on July 28 and 29.

Officially known as the F-117A Nighthawk, the aircraft is rarely seen outside the US.

Sunderland City Council event coordinator Sue Henderson said: "This is a major coup for the airshow and a very exciting addition to this year's line-up.

"We've been trying to attract the Stealth fighter to display at Sunderland for a number of years, and we're thrilled that they will be making their first appearance this summer.

"In the 13 years of the event, this is the first time the US Air Force has taken part, and it just goes to show how the profile of the event continues to grow year after year."

The F-117 earned its fame during the opening hours of the Operation Desert Storm over Baghdad.

Squadron leader Linc Taylor, who is from York, said: "I joined the US Air Force in 1999 after more than ten years' experience with the RAF.

"I'm really looking forward to coming back to the UK to display with the Stealth fighter."

The display will last eight minutes and contain three fly-pasts