The long-standing connections between Shrewsbury Flower Show and military units will be underlined at the 120th spectacular this year by the appearance of an Army motorcycle display team regarded as the best in the world.

Celebrating its 80th anniversary this year, the 30-strong Royal Signals White Helmets will perform in the arena at the Quarry twice each day on August 10 and 11.

Show secretary Peter Road-Night said: “On the previous occasions that the White Helmets have been with us, they have proved to be an outstanding attraction.

“Through their precision and riding skills they have created a worldwide reputation. An interesting link is that the Band of the Royal Signals is one of the three Army bands performing at the show this year and it will be conducted by their director of music, Captain Guy Booth, who is the son of our committee member and former chairman Malcolm Booth.”

The White Helmets, using British Millennium Triumph 750cc motorcycles, are currently going through an arduous induction programme to gain the right to wear the coveted white headgear.

All qualified tradesmen within the regiment, they display spectacular feats of balance, crossover rides and outstanding acrobatics.

Among the speciality items are the control of machines from the top of 8ft ladders, making fire and obstacles jumps, riding in reverse, and multi-machine pyramid rides. Their performances last 35 minutes.

The team’s history goes back to 1927 when it gave its first public displays of horsemanship and motorcycle riding when based at the signal training centre in Yorkshire. Since then the team has represented Britain at events throughout the world.

Full details about the show are available on (01743) 234050. Tickets are already available.