A trio of historic war planes will be flying into Sidmouth for the first time ever this summer for the town’s annual air display.

Sidmouth Herald: Red Arrows at Sidmouth 2016. Ref shs 34-16TI 6389. Picture: Terry IfeRed Arrows at Sidmouth 2016. Ref shs 34-16TI 6389. Picture: Terry Ife (Image: Archant)

Organisers announced this week that the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight [BBMF] will join the Red Arrows for the event on Friday, August 25.

The famous Spitfire, Hurricane and Lancaster bomber are scheduled to perform a series of group and individual routines.

Following the end of the BBMF display, the Red Arrows will jet in to thrill the crowds.

Sidmouth Town Council is hoping to amass an ‘army’ of collectors for the day to raise funds for the 2018 air display.

Sidmouth Herald: Pictured are aircraft of the Royal Air Forces Battle of Britain Memorial Flight fyling over Blackpool. The Royal Air Force Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (RAF-BBMF) is administratively part of the Royal Air Force No 1 Group and operates from RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire. They have Spitfires, Hurricanes, a Lancaster and Dakota as well as Chipmunks in the flight. The aircraft are regularly seen at events commemorating World War II, upon British State occasions, notably the Trooping the Colour celebrating Queen Elizabeth II's birthday and at air displays throughout the United Kingdom and Europe. Images by Sgt Jack Pritchard, RAPictured are aircraft of the Royal Air Forces Battle of Britain Memorial Flight fyling over Blackpool. The Royal Air Force Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (RAF-BBMF) is administratively part of the Royal Air Force No 1 Group and operates from RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire. They have Spitfires, Hurricanes, a Lancaster and Dakota as well as Chipmunks in the flight. The aircraft are regularly seen at events commemorating World War II, upon British State occasions, notably the Trooping the Colour celebrating Queen Elizabeth II's birthday and at air displays throughout the United Kingdom and Europe. Images by Sgt Jack Pritchard, RA (Image: © Crown copyright)

Christopher Holland, town clerk, said: “The Spitfire, the Lancaster and the Hurricane flying over Sidmouth will be a sight to behold and it will be a first. Last year, we had a very good event.

“The public was very generous and our business sponsors were, too, which has enabled us to apply for the Red Arrows and the BBMF at the same time.

“We would ask the public to dig deep once again and volunteer to be collectors.

“We need an army of collectors; it’s the collectors that make it happen.

“It will only be an annual event if the funding is there each year.”

The displays will act as a prelude to Sidmouth Regatta.

Last year, more than 25,000 people packed on to Sidmouth beach to watch the Red Arrows.

Councillor Jeff Turner, chairman of the town council, said: “I am delighted to welcome not just the Red Arrows, but also the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight to display over what must be one the most perfect arenas in the country for an air display - our beautiful seafront.”

Exact timings are to be confirmed.