THE organiser of Branscombe Charity Air Day and Classic Car Show is urging people to support it or this year’s event may be the last.

David Hayman, who owns Branscombe Airfield, at Higherlands Farm, is remaining positive about the event at the airfield on Sunday, July 25, despite making an �8,000 loss last year. “It’s a great day out in the country,” he said.

He and his wife Naomi, who moved to Branscombe in 2007, revived the event, which started in 1987, last year, after it had had a three-year break “It’s something that we inherited and I would like to carry it on,” he said. “We’re hoping to have a much better outcome this year. If it doesn’t work, I’m not sure there’s much else I can do to make it work.”

He attributed the lack of success to the change of day from Sunday to Saturday – traditionally changeover day for holidaymakers; it clashing with three other local events; and the admission charges being too low to cover costs. He said: “We didn’t realise how many concessions there would be and you need a lot of people through when it costs so much to stage.”

Because it didn’t make a profit last year, Mr Hayman a made a contribution from his own pocket to chosen charities Children’s Hospice South West and the Royal British Legion, and they will be the beneficiaries again this year. He’s also hoping to make donations to village organisations and societies.

More than 50 visiting aircraft will touch down at the airfield, which the public can look around after the air display. This includes an Extra 300, as flown by the Red Bulls Display Team; a Hawker Hunter Jet and a P-51 Mustang, the top fighter plane of the Second World War.

Up to 500 classic cars are expected, including MGs, Jaguars, Mazdas, and the VW Cabriolet Club will be on site. There will also be classic motorbikes, stalls, food and a licensed bar. Entry is �13 for adults; �10 concession or �25 for a family of two adults and two children. Call 01297 680259 for more information.