THE RAF's crack Red Arrows aerobatic team is returning to its old home base at Kemble.

The team will be the star attraction at this year's Kemble Air Day which takes place on June 16.

The show will commemorate the anniversary of the classic Folland Gnat British jet which first entered service with the RAF's Central Flying School which was then based at Kemble.

Later the airfield on the Wiltshire-Gloucestershire border was used by the Red Arrows between 1968 to 1983, and they flew the Gnat in its famous scarlet colours for 13 years before changing to the Hunter Hawk.

Last year 12,000 people attended the event and the organisers are looking to top this figure.

Event organiser Glen Moreman said: "Last year's show was always going to be a difficult one to follow but we have managed to attract a fantastic line-up.

"It reflects the Air Day's high standing on the event circuit and we expect people to visit from all over Europe.

"This is set to be the best Air Day yet."

Another star of the show will be an F-16 "Fighting Falcon" from the Royal Netherlands Air Force the first time Kemble has ever attracted foreign air force participation.

The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight featuring a Spitfire, Hurricane and Lancaster will bring back fond memories for local people who will remember the flight being serviced at Kemble regularly during the 1970s. The gates will open at 9.30am and the public will have the chance to look around trade stands and static displays which will include classic cars.

Information is available on the Air Day hotline on 09063 023320.