ORGANISERS of the Royal International Air Tattoo have apologised to disabled aviation fans for the inadequate facilities at this year's show.

And they have promised to work together with wheelchair-users to ensure matters improve next year at the Fairford airshow.

Two Swindon wheelchair users met with RIAT director Paul Bowen and show secretary Gordon Harris.

They told them that the route from the car park to the disabled viewing area at the show had presented an obstacle course for many in wheelchairs and they said the disabled toilets were impossible to find.

Speaking after the meeting Tony Vaughan, 65, from Stratton St Margaret, said: "They definitely realised they had made a mistake.

"There were a lot of things we discussed possibly improving for next year and they said they are going to keep in touch with me.

"We are going to have a preview of their programme in April and May next year and they are going to use us as a source of information for any changes they need to make.

"They were very helpful they put their hands up and said they were at fault and apologised.

"I told them how uncomfortable I had been and the things they need to do. The parking is going to be a different format altogether now next year."

Mr Vaughan was one of two disabled visitors to RIAT who contacted the Advertiser to complain about the poor facilities at this year's show.

The other was Charlie Grange, 68, from Pinehurst, who also attended yesterday's meeting.

He said the lack of facilities had ruined this year's airshow for him.

He said: "I saw one woman with her mother in the car park who just turned around and went home.

"I thought the whole thing was really terrible I didn't enjoy it at all."

RIAT spokesman, Julie Smith, declined to comment on yesterday's meeting.

She said: "I think it would be more appropriate to hear from the meeting directly from Mr Vaughan and Mr Grange."

The Royal International Air Tattoo took place over the weekend of July 20 and 21 attracting 200,000 people to RAF Fairford.

In addition to the problems experience by the disabled, motorists faced tailbacks over up to 10 miles. RIAT organisers have also promised to address traffic congestion problems in time for next year.

Click here to go to our Royal International Air Tattoo Supplement online