Preparations for the annual event at RAF Cosford on the Shropshire/Staffordshire border are now under way with the line-up for a five-hour flying display currently being finalised.

The shortlist ranges from historic planes to modern aerobatic entertainment and this year’s event is set to be extra special as all involved mark the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Britain.

The annual show features the only RAF flying display in the Midlands and one of only a handful nationwide.

Every display is built round the regular appearance of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight of Lancaster bomber, Spitfire and Hurricane.

The rest of the programme ranges from pre-war machines to the latest combat aircraft like the Typhoon.

Norman Branagh, Air Show Co-ordinator, said: “2010 is the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Britain and we intend to theme a lot of the entertainment to mark this very special anniversary.

“The plan is to bring back the displays that the visitors know and enjoy but also add in a few more to make this year’s display better than ever before.”

Cosford Air Show is renowned for the exposure it provides for historic aircraft but there will be no shortage of amazing feats from the modern flyers with the Falcons freefall parachute team also lined up to drop in.

As well as the excitement in the air visitors will also be able to enjoy a wide variety of entertainment on the ground with a fun fair, craft fair, market and aircraft exhibitions.

And the Large Model Association will also be entertaining the crowds with an aircraft display.

The Association is an international body dedicated to creating flying models driven by petrol or jet engines.

The RAF Museum is also included in the gate price and parking is free.

Tickets for the show are available at Royal Air Force Museum at Cosford, Tourist Information Centres in Birmingham (Rotunda), Stafford (Gatehouse Theatre) and Stoke (Victoria Hall), the special air show ticket line on 0871 230 1083, and an internet booking service at www.seetickets.com. (Special Events; Air Shows; RAF Cosford).

Tickets will also be available from Midland branches of the Mid Counties Co-Operative Society from March 1, 2010.

Full information on the show can be seen on the air show web site – cosfordairshow.co.uk – or is available on the show information line at 0844 561 1897.