First ever air show for area

A Mid Wales airport is to be used to host the first ever air show in Powys this summer, council bosses have revealed.

The event will be held on July 19. It is being organised by Welshpool Town Council and the Mid Wales Airport and entry will be free.

The day will include displays from a Dakota and Spitfire from the Second World War and a Hawk, which was used by the RAF as a training plane.

RAF community relations officer for Wales, squadron leader Peter Sinclair, said he was looking forward to the event, which he feels is giving something back to the community.

He said: "The RAF has a high profile across Wales and in particular Mid Wales because we come here to train. We also have important flying training bases on Anglesey and the defence helicopter flying training school at RAF Shawbury.

"It is appropriate that we cement our relations with local communities and an air show is a good way of doing this.

"We have always wanted to bring something to our local airport and this year we can do it. Our plans include displays by a Dakota, a Spitfire and a Hawk and a freefall display by the RAF Parachute Display Team - the RAF Falcons."

Welshpool town clerk Robert Robinson said: "We are really looking forward to the event, which is shaping up to be jam-packed with attractions.

"In the morning there will be planes for people to view, a dog show and the Air Ambulance will be there too.

"In the afternoon there will be a show with some classic planes on display and we finish it off with a Dragon Race, which will see people pedalling away to try and get their planes to take off."