Eastbourne International Airshow begins

Organisers have called it the "biggest" free seaside airshow in the country

A popular four-day airshow which is being led by the Red Arrows is set to begin on Thursday.

The Eastbourne International Airshow is due to open at 10:30 BST, with flying currently scheduled to start at 13:15.

The Red Arrows will feature on every day of Airbourne, according to organisers Eastbourne Borough Council (EBC).

It said the event - the "biggest free seafront airshow in the UK" - gives the economy a "huge boost" and brings hundreds of thousands of visitors to the town.

The event is "great" for residents and businesses, said a councillor

The local authority had previously warned the airshow could be at risk amid ongoing funding challenges.

This year's Airbourne - now in its 31st year - coincides with the 80th anniversary of VJ Day, marking Japan's surrender to the Allied forces and the end of World War Two in 1945.

Military displays are set to include the RAF Typhoon and the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, featuring the Lancaster, Spitfire and Hurricane.

One plane with a wingspan of over 40m is due to fly, said organisers

EBC councillor Margaret Bannister said she was "delighted" that "some real crowd favourites" would be at the show.

She added Airbourne was "great news for residents, visitors and local businesses."

A Royal Navy black cats helicopter display team is due to be at the event, alongside Airborne's largest-ever aircraft with a wingspan of 42.4m - more than three times the length of a double-decker bus.