TORNADO pilot Rich Davies swooped into home territory yesterday to launch one of the highlights of the North-East's summer.

Rich, who hails from Ponteland, in Northumberland, will be the centre of attention when he takes to the skies at the Sunderland International Air Show July 28-29.

Performing in his first season as a Tornado pilot, the 29-year-old said: "The Sunderland International Airshow is the biggest show we attend during the year.

"I grew up in the North-East and a lot of my friends still live here.

"I'll certainly enjoy showing off my flying skills in front of them all when they turn up to watch me at the event."

Rich will be flying in at a height of 100ft at 650mph and will perform a series of manoeuvres before climbing from 100ft to 15,000ft in just ten seconds.

Last year, the airshow, which is staged by Sunderland City Council attracted more than a million visitors to the coastal resorts of Roker and Seaburn.

Show coordinator Sue Henderson said: "This year's show has attracted quite a line-up - both in the air and on the ground. All the old favourites will be attending and we've also got several exciting new acts in the pipe-line."

Topping the bill will be the RAF's Red Arrows, who will wow the crowds with their dazzling displays.

Speed and drama will be provided by the RAF's frontline fighters, the Tornado GR-1, the Jaguar and Harrier, with the Hawk and Tucano returning to the city after a four-year absence.

Other highlights over the weekend will include the Red Devils Freefall Team and the Blue Eagles Helicopter Team.

The Battle of Britain Memorial flight will be taking to the skies with a Dakota, Spitfire and Hurricane aircraft.

On the ground, attractions such as the new Mega Mini Stunt Crew and the White Helmets Motorcycle Team will keep the crowds entertained.

Two large exhibition and display areas will house a Radio Newcastle roadshow, the RAF Townshow and a children's entertainment.

Research carried out at last year's event revealed that over 60 per cent of one million visitors travelled from outside of the city.

Hotels and guesthouses were filled to capacity as more than 100 air crew and 120 ground crew, as well as visitors flock to Wearside for the event