THE line-up for Clacton Airshow's exciting night flights has been unveiled by organisers.

Night flights will be returning to this summer's air show after the initiative was trialled for the first time last year.

It will include three different displays performing over the town’s beaches to thrill fans.

Otto, the Schweizer 300C helicopter, was a massive hit in 2016 - with his spectacular pyrotechnic effects lighting up the night sky – and he is back in the safe hands of pilot Roger Buis.

With his maximum speed of 109mph and 750 feet per minute rate of climb, Otto is ideally suited to sensational rotary displays.

Also coming back are the FireFlies aerobatic display team and the Twister aerobatics team.

The FireFlies consist of two Vans RV4 aircraft flown by pilots Jon Gowdy and Andy Durston performing close formation aerobatics, opposition and synchro flying. They can go from zero to more than 200mph.

The Twister team is very versatile with sparking displays with specially developed pyrotechnics streaming form the aircrafts wingtips.

G-Jinx, the latest aircraft to be used, features computerised engine management systems.

Clacton Airshow takes place on August 24 and 25 with the night flights on the 24th.

Tanya Ferguson, Tendring Council’s cabinet member for culture and tourism, said she is really looking forward to this part of the programme.

“I don’t think many of us knew what exactly to expect last year but it was a fantastic addition to the line-up and something quite different,” she said.

“It was so popular that we simply could not leave it out this year and I am sure the promenades will be packed again to watch the night flights start at 8pm.”

The last flight will be followed by a spectacular fireworks display on Clacton Pier.

Billy Ball, pier director, added: “We have built the airshow fireworks into our regular annual fireworks programme and are delighted to be able to support this very special event in the town’s calendar.

“It was great to see so many people staying on to the very end of the evening last year and it was just like the old days in Clacton, bringing back a real feel good factor.”

Organisers have already announced other flying displays as Team Raven, the Vampire Pair and Gerald Cooper for both days of the event.

The trio join the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, made up of the Lancaster and two Spitfires, as well as the Tigers Parachute team, the Catalina and RAF Red Arrows.