A SHOPKEEPER has his fingers crossed as the air show he organised takes off this weekend.

Owner of Yeadon aviation and hobby shop, Air Supply, Ken Cothliff, said he is confident of good weather for the Elvington Airshow.

The event - which is now the only major air show in Yorkshire - takes place at Elvington airfield, near York, and consists of flying displays on Sunday and Monday, with a preview day on Friday to see aircraft on the ground.

He said: "It looks really super. I have a friend who is a pilot, and he said the forecast for the weekend looks good. Hopefully there will be none of the bizarre weather that has been around this week."

Although Mr Cothliff has been involved with the show for several years, this is his first year as director.

The job has included living up to the strict safety regulations laid down for all air shows - the safety aspect has been particularly stringent since the fatal crash at an air display in Eastbourne last weekend.

In addition to top RAF jets, wing-walkers and historic 1939-45 war aircraft, Mr Cothliff has now secured three French Mirage jets for the show.

A number of visitors are also bringing their own aircraft to the show, including an ex-armed forces Jet Provost, and rare Russian and Czech aeroplanes.

Tickets are available by calling the hotline on (01759) 305851.