ONE of the first jobs of new Forces Sweetheart Claire Sweeney will be to launch the world's biggest military air show.

Claire, who first found fame in Brookside and Celebrity Big Brother and went on to star in the West End hit Chicago, will launch the Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford in style.

She will take a flight in one of the RAF's front-line GR4 Tornados with Wing Commander Derek Watson, the Officer Commanding 9 Squadron, at the controls.

Her trip will be one of the highlights of the RIAT's national launch which takes place at Fairford on Thursday July 18 just two days before the two day Tattoo is expected to attract 200,000 visitors.

As the Forces Sweetheart, and following in the famous footsteps of people such as Dame Vera Lynn and ex-Spice Girl Geri Halliwell, Claire will be off later this year entertaining British forces around the world.

She will perform a series of concerts in Kosovo and the Middle East to help lift the spirits of troops on peacekeeping operations and exercises.

"These troops are doing the most fantastic job in sometimes difficult places," said Claire who releases her first album next week.

"They are a long way from home and their loved ones and I hope I can go a tiny bit to help keep them as cheerful and buoyant as British soldiers, airmen and sailors always are."

Also present at the media launch will be veterans from the famous 617 Dambusters Squadron and men who served in the war with the US 8th Air Force.

Among the planes calling in will be the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Lancaster Bomber, a USAF F-15E Strike Eagle, and the B-17 Flying Fortress which starred in the hit film Memphis Belle.

Click here to win tickets for the Royal International Air Tattoo.