Ref. 3099251SUPERMODEL and forces sweetheart Nell McAndrew provided a welcome splash of glamour against the drab greys and greens of a collection of classic warbirds yesterday.

Nell was lending her support to the official launch of this year's Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford, flying in from Lyneham for the occasion.

"It's great to be here and support the air tattoo," she said.

"Unfortunately, I will be away for the show, but I've got friends and family who'll be coming down to enjoy the event."

To mark the launch there was an impressive flypast featuring an historic Dakota and a modern Hercules.

This year's show is planned to be the biggest ever.

So far, there are more than 300 aircraft from countries all around the world taking part in the aviation extravaganza and that number is increasing every day.

RIAT director, Tim Prince said: "We have got some fantastic aircraft coming to this year's show, and a new country, Estonia, who are bringing aircraft from their Border Guard."

Mr Prince recently took over the directorship of the show after the death in May of former director Paul Bowen.

He said Paul had done much for RIAT and the aviation community, but now the show and its 4,000 volunteers were determined to produce a performance that he would have been proud of.

"This will be the biggest military air show in Europe, and we have a fantastic line-up," added Mr Prince.

"The Italians are bringing four Starfighters hopefully all painted up rather prettily, and a display from the amazing F-15 Eagle."

This year's show will mark the 60th anniversary of the Normandy Landings, 100 years of the Entente Cordiale between Britain and France, the 50th anniversary of the Hercules transport plane and 40 years of the RAF's display team The Red Arrows.

Lieutenant Colonel Bruce Arnold, the new station commander of RAF Fairford, said: "We had nothing like this show at my old airbase on Guam.

"I have only been here two weeks and I find it amazing that all this international aircraft will be coming here. It is a great honour for me to be hosting this show."

Organisers have said they will follow last year's approach to traffic, using four routes colour-coded on a map.

The red route will take traffic from the north east, the A40 and M40, the green route will take traffic from the north west, the A40 and A417, and the blue and brown routes will take traffic from the M4.

Ian Sheeley, RIAT's events services manager said: "Traffic has always been one of the key issues, especially for visitor enjoyment so we will be using last year's traffic system with some slight tweaks."

There will also be a Park and Ride service operating from a car park at South Marston.

The Air Tattoo will be held from July 16-18. Tickets are £29.95 in advance and are available by calling 0870 758 1918 or by visiting www.airtattoo.com

Anthony Osborne