All eyes will look up to the skies around Old Buckenham Airfield at the weekend for the return of a popular community air show.Thousands of aviation enthusiasts are set to descend on the former second world war airfield on Sunday for a display of historic planes.

All eyes will look up to the skies around Old Buckenham Airfield at the weekend for the return of a popular community air show.

Thousands of aviation enthusiasts are set to descend on the former second world war airfield on Sunday for a display of historic planes.

The south Norfolk airfield, which was once home to the US Army Air Force 453rd Bomb Group, will this year welcome a flypast from the RAF Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.

A Lancaster bomber will help kick-start the flying at the 11th Old Buckenham Air Show from 2pm on Sunday and will finish about 4.45pm with a flyover from a Spitfire and Hurricane.

The appearance of the historic world war two planes, which played a vital role in Britain's fight for freedom, comes on the 70th anniversary year of the Battle of Britain.

The annual event, which regularly attracts around 4,000 people, will this year help raise funds for East Anglia's Children's Hospices (EACH), which has a centre at nearby Quidenham.

This year's Battle of Britain display will be supported by other second world war aircraft, including the North American P-51D Mustang, which gave protection to the B24 bombers that flew from RAF Old Buckenham during the war.

Other highlights of this year's air show include a motor glider display by Red Hawk Duo and demonstrations from three Boeing Stearman bi-planes and other classic craft.

William Layzell, airfield manager, said: 'It promises to be a very good day. The weather is looking fantatasic. EACH is building a brand new hospice this year and need all the support they can get so we hope the public will help us help them by coming to the show in large numbers.'

Simon Hempsall, spokesman for EACH, added that the charity was 'delighted' that the air show was supporting the hospice.

'Over the years EACH has benefitted significantly from funds raised at the event, through the sale of programmes, contributions from the entry fee and other fundraising opportunities. Last year we cared for a total of 199 families at Quidenham, something we can only do with the continued support from events like this.'

The gates will open from 9am on Sunday at Old Buckenham Airfield. Tickets are �12 for adults, �10 for senior citizens, �6 for children, and under 5s will get in for free.