Thousands of aviation enthusiasts are set to descend on North Weald Airfield on Sunday for a five hour air spectacular.

Brendan Walsh, of Intrepid Aviation which has organised North Weald 99, said: "We had 20,000 people last year and on Sunday we're expecting more."

A Tornado and a Harrier, both planes on frontline duty in Serbia, will thrill the crowds at the south east's first major air show of the year.

Also on duty will be an RAF Hercules, which flies vital supplies to the refugees.

It is aptly piloted by Flight Lieutenant Julie Gibson because the theme of this year's show is Women in Aviation.

Farmer's daughter Angie Soper, whose parents live near Brentwood, will fly a vintage Soviet-built Yak 11; Tracy Martin, also brought up in the county, flies a US Army Bell 47 helicopter and Carolyn Grace, the only woman in the world to own and fly her own Spitfire, and British aerobatic champion Diana Britten also take part.

The RAF Red Arrows launch their 1999 season with a 20 minute aerobatics display and the Army's Blue Eagles helicopter team is also on show.

Vintage aircraft scheduled to appear include the Spitfire, Hurricane, Lancaster, Mustang and Sea Fury plus two Swordfish biplanes.

There will also be spectacular stunts and the show will close with an air battle featuring explosions and anti-aircraft fire as two World War II P-40 fighters soar over North Weald in mock combat.

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