A FORMER Farmor's School pupil will enjoy a flying visit to his old stomping ground later this year when he gets to take part in the Royal International Air Tattoo.

Flight Lieutenant Phil Bird, 32, is a regular spectator at RIAT, but this year will be the first time he has had the chance to take part.

"Becoming a fast jet pilot in the RAF was a life-long dream and now the idea of displaying an RAF jet in front of the crowds at my home airshow is something I am incredibly excited about," he said.

Watching Phil perform his aerobatic display from the ground will be wife and fellow RAF pilot Lucie and his dad John, who was also an RAF pilot.

RIAT first timer Phil will be the last pilot to display the Hawk T1 solo aircraft, as it is due to be replaced with an upgraded model next year. He hinted the jet might have a new paint scheme to celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee along with other aerial tributes at the Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford.

For now, Phil can be spotted on the ground as he trains for the London Marathon, which he is taking on in April with fellow Hawk display team member Squadron Leader "Skids" Harrison. The pair are running in aid of the RAF Benevolent Fund, a charity which supports the RAF family.

"It’s a tremendous charity," Phil said. "We’ve got the privilege of being in the Hawk display team so we thought we would use that position to raise money for a great cause."

Special Air Tattoo Earlybird tickets, priced £34, are available until the end of March from airtattoo.com or by calling 0800 107 1940. All accompanied under-16s go free.

To donate to the RAF Benevolent Fund visit raf.mod.uk/hawkdisplayteam