Thousands of people are expected to flock to the spectacular Yorkshire Air Show this weekend.

Advance ticket sales have already hit record levels for the show and people are now being advised to arrive early to avoid traffic queues.

The two-day show at Elvington airfield, near York, boasts plenty of activity in the air and on the ground and the gates will open at 9.30am on both Saturday and Sunday.

Non-flying exhibits include the Starchaser, one of the first privately funded space rockets in the world, plus vintage and military vehicles and an array of stands selling souvenirs, clothing, memorabilia and refreshments.

Event director Ken Cothliff said he was not surprised with the enormous interest created by this year's show.

"The line up this year is more impressive than ever with the headline item being the RAF's new Eurofighter Typhoon, appearing at one of its first airfield displays outside an RAF station.

"The second item of military hardware new to the show is the mighty Boeing Chinook twin rotor helicopter - a truly awesome aircraft to display. "On the historic side two other new aircraft that have not displayed with us before are the Royal Navy Historic flight's recently restored Sea Fury - one of the fastest piston engine aircraft ever built, and the beautiful Sea Hawk jet attack aircraft.

"And, naturally, the ever popular Red Arrows will be with us on both days again too."

The four-hour aerial show spectacular starts at 1pm on both days and tickets for the event include free entry to the neighbouring Yorkshire Air Museum.

Further details about the event can be found on the show's website at www.elvington.org.