GLIDER pilots flying from Bicester will for the first time get an electronic warning system alerting them to other aircraft in the area.

Bicester Gliding Centre has been given £8,535 by Sport England.

The cash will pay for a warning system for all nine club aircraft – seven gliders and two tugs, which pull the gliders – and Oxford University’s fleet, which is also based in Bicester.

The small electronic instrument, called Flarm, warns pilots of any other aircraft in the area.

Director of marketing Lee Hitchins said: “Without the Flarm the only real way of being able to avoid other aircraft is to look out.

“All gliders can be flying around together in the sky but as soon as anyone’s course comes into conflict the pilot is warned.

“They don’t replace traditional methods but are designed to supplement them.”