Gearing up for air show

Thousands of people will visit Shropshire this weekend when the world-famous Red Arrows head the attractions at the RAF Cosford Airshow.

A crowd of more than 45,000 is due to enjoy an aeronautic feast, with Spitfires, Hurricanes and a Battle of Britain memorial flight on display.

Sunday's show will feature non-stop entertainment including military demonstrations, bands and stalls.

With the extra traffic on county roads, highways chiefs are urging visitors to plan journeys carefully.

Extra Highways Agency traffic officers will be patrolling the motorways on the approach to RAF Cosford throughout the event to deal with incidents.

Jenny Moten, regional operations manager for the Highways Agency, said: "Drivers should check for delays before starting their journeys and make simple checks to their vehicle's tyres, oil and water as well as topping up with fuel.

"On the day of the show motorists can tune into Radio Cosford on 87.9 MHz FM or DAB Traffic Radio to get all the travel information."

Roger Phillips, Airshow coordinator for RAF Cosford, added: "Revised routes and better signing are expected to significantly smooth traffic flow."

Drivers can get up-to-the-minute information by phoning the Highways Agency Information Line on 08457 504030 or by accessing its website: www.highways.gov.uk