MORE than 150 aircraft have arrived at RAF Fairford ready for take off at this weekend's Air Tattoo.

And their arrival has been witnessed by Forces Sweetheart Claire Sweeney.

The star of Brookside, Celebrity Big Brother and the West End production of Chicago, flew as the navigator in the back seat of a Royal Air Force Tornado GR4 of 9 Squadron in time for the launch of the biggest air show in the world, which has returned to Fairford after a two-year absence.

Claire touched down at the Glouces-tershire base after an exciting flight with Wing Commander Derek Watson, which took her from RAF Marham in Norfolk, down the Mersey to Liverpool, the star's home town, then low-level through the Welsh Valleys before touching down at Fairford.

Recovering after the flight, Claire, who was appointed as the official Forces Sweetheart last week, said: "It was absolutely amazing, so exciting. We took off and did some loop the loops. I felt so safe with the aircraft in Derek's hands."

More than 150 aircraft, out of the expected 400, arrived at Fairford yesterday to take their places in the extensive static line-up, and even more were expected today, with the air base becoming as busy as Heathrow.

Following the events of September 11, visitors will experience unprece-dented security with metal detectors and security guards at all entrances.

For the last two years the show has taken place at RAF Cottesmore in Rutland, while major refurbishments of the taxiways and runway were carried out at Fairford.

Among the many guests at this year's show is a group of aircrew who fought with RAF Bomber Command's 617 Squadron the Dambusters during World War II.

They flew their aircraft on highly dangerous missions over enemy territory, including the dropping of huge Grand Slam and Tallboy bombs.

They also launched the attacks on Sorpe and Mohne dams with the bouncing bomb, designed by Barnes Wallis.

Welcoming the airshow to Fairford, was the base's commander Lieutenant Colonel, Max Rothman who said: "We are really pleased to have the show back at Fairford.

"It has been a real challenge organis-ing this year's show but it is great being able to showcase the power of aviation at the show."

The show opens tomorrow and around 200,000 are expected to attend the event over the weekend.

Tickets at £24.95 are still available from the Evening Advertiser, tourist information centres, and branches of the Stroud and Swindon building society.

Entrance is £30 on the door but free for under-16s accompanied by an adult. Car parking is free.

n People who visit the Evening Adver-tiser stand at the Tattoo will be able to enter a prize draw to win a flight for two in the Mayfair Dove, which was designed and built at the end of World War Two.