THERE'S a pair of free tickets up for grabs to see the world's largest military air show and they will go to the person who comes up with the best name for the show's new mascot.

The Royal International Air Tattoo recently adopted a large cuddly teddy bear as its mascot but have so far failed to come up with a suitable name. With the tattoo now less than three weeks away it will take place at RAF Fairford over the weekend of July 17 and 18 the organisers have decided to hold a public name-the-bear competition.

The giant bear made its first public appearance at the recent regional press launch of the tattoo, even though he was somewhat in the shadow of supermodel and Forces sweetheart Nell McAndrew.

RIAT spokesman Richard Arquati said: "To be honest we have been left scratching our heads about what to call our new mascot.

"We are now offering the pair of free tickets to the Tattoo to the person who comes up with the best name before Friday July 9."

To enter the competition send your suggested name for the mascot to RIAT Bear Competition (NO24), RAFBFE, PO Box 1940, Fairford, Glos, GL7 4NA, making sure to include your own name, age, address and a daytime telephone number by July 9, and the winner will be notified by Monday, July 12. Tickets for the Tattoo are available from a number of outlets, including the front office of the Evening Advertiser in Old Town, Swindon.