ORGANISERS are hoping good weather will bring in thousands of extra enthusiasts to this year's Abingdon Air and Country Show at the weekend.

Last year prolonged periods of heavy rain put off some visitors to Abingdon Airfield and some flying displays had to be cancelled.

Event organisers are hoping for better weather on Sunday, May 1, when up to 10,000 spectators could attend the 17th annual event.

Air show management committee member Colin Smith said: "It really chucked it down last year and that affected visitor numbers.

"We are hoping for lots of sunshine - dry and bright weather helps the pilots."

Mr Smith added that although the air show was not the biggest in the country, it was a favourite with aviation enthusiasts because of its friendly, happy atmosphere.

He said: "It's Oxfordshire's air show and aviation enthusiasts came from all around to be there.

"It's also a great day out for the family and the children can go on the fairground rides and the bouncy castles.

"There is lots of on-site catering but people can also bring a picnic and sit on a blanket to watch the displays."

Mr Smith said ticket sales were level with previous years and added that tickets could be bought online until the afternoon before the event, or on the day.

Enthusiasts are being warned they should not try to catch a free display at this year's show from outside the airfield.

New tougher regulations are in place following last year's plane crash at Shoreham air show in West Sussex, and organisers are clamping down on dozens of enthusiasts who drive up to park outside the site and watch planes without paying to get in.

There will be a road closure in Honeybottom Lane to the north of the airfield, and in Green Lane.

Mr Smith said the airfield entrance and exit for spectators will be in Barrow Road as usual.

Exhibitors are being asked to arrive early via Honeybottom Lane because of the road closure, which is expected to be enforced from about 10am.

Event organiser Neil Porter said the airfield, owned by Defence Estates, has been run under the Civil Aviation Authority safety guidelines but from now on the show will be governed by the Military Aviation Authority.

The show starts at 10am and attractions include a three-hour flying display including the RAF Battle of Britain Memorial Flight featuring a Spitfire and Hurricane and a Bristol Blenheim bomber, used extensively in the first two years of the Second World War.

For further details about tickets and prices for Abingdon Air and Country Show visit abingdonairandcountry.co.uk.