A GROUP of environmental activists are holding a sponsored bicycle ride to raise awareness of the carbon dioxide generated by the Royal International Air Tattoo.

The bike ride will take place during the show on July 16 and 17 and some participants are planning to camp out near the site at RAF Fairford.

Group spokesman Kevin Lister told the Standard that the air show pumped thousands of tonnes of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.

He said RIAT organisers were also welcoming the American A-10 tank buster plane this year, a plane he claims is synonymous with depleted uranium attacks.

"At a time when depleted uranium is killing thousands of people, preventing thousands from even being born and leaving large swathes of the planet uninhabitable forever, they will bring this plane over for family entertainment," he added.

"This is the breathtaking arrogance we would expect from an organisation that has as its proud boast being the world's biggest air show.

"To raise awareness and funds we will be having a mass sponsored bike ride to the air show. All funds will go to the children's hospital in Fallujah, Iraq."

Mr Lister said participants could follow the official traffic route signs on the day and, once they arrive, could listen to a workshop about the alternatives to war.

He added: "The emissions from this single event negate the entire greenhouse gas savings people in Gloucestershire are attempting to make.

"It is a blatant advert for excess consumption at a time when it is absolutely critical we all consume less."

RIAT organisers declined to comment.