PLANS have been unveiled to stage the North West's biggest free air show at Wirral this summer.

A Wigan-based company is to organise the show at New Brighton over a weekend in August.

A website has been launched promoting the event featuring pictures of the world-famous Red Arrows display team and RAF Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.

The website says: "Wirral Air Show 2016: Two days of flying displays over the River Mersey along with ground events both on the show field and the promenade areas will provide entertainment for the whole family.

"The event will include a superb fun fair, trade stands, entertainment and food outlets.

"This event will be the largest free show in the North West. 

"There will be limited onsite parking and grandstand seating and tickets can be purchased for these items.

"An alternative park-n-ride system will be operating that will be announced in due course."

It goes on: "Wirral Air Show 2016 will be staffed by a dedicated team of over 300 volunteers coming together as 'Event Makers' to make this fantastic free community event successful and unique."

The promoters say the show will take place at King's Parade on Saturday, August 6, and Sunday, August 7, and will be "in association with Wirral Council."

A council spokesman said: “Wirral hosts a vast number of successful events each year, ranging from small-scale fun days to major outdoor festivals, and the council recognises the benefits these bring to our community and economy.

“We have met with the organisers of this proposed event and are guiding them through the planning stages that are required to ensure the safety of everyone involved in the event.

“The organisers are presenting their detailed plans for the event to the Wirral events safety advisory group - made up of representatives from the council, police, ambulance and the fire and rescue service - in March.

“The group will assess the event plans and set out any requirements that need to be met in order for the event to take place, including guidance on the organiser’s obligations on health and safety and traffic management issues.”