A FAIRFORD pilot took centre stage at the launch of the world-famous Royal International Air Tattoo.

Flt Lt Phil Bird made an impressive entrance when he flew into the Fairford airbase with BBC Blue Peter presenter Barney Harwood in an RAF Hawk.

And on hot on their heels was the RAF Falcons parachute display team, who left a trail of red smoke from 3,000 feet up as they swirled to the runway in formation.

Today's spectacle marked the launch of the world’s biggest military airshow at RAF Fairford, with more than 20 countries and seven international display teams set to take part.

Air Tattoo Chief Executive Tim Prince said one of RIAT’s main aims is to inspire young people to become interested in aviation.

Mr Prince said: “As well as raising money for the RAF charitable trust one of RIAT’s key objectives is to get people more air minded.

"The youngsters can talk to the pilots and get close to the aircraft and get drawn into the excitement that aviation offers."

This year the air show, on July 7 and 8, celebrates the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and will feature an EIIR flypast from 27 BAE Systems' Hawk jets.

As a tribute to the Queen, RAF Falcons parachutists carried down a giant Diamond Jubilee flag at the launch, which was raised up by Blue Peter’s Barney to a fanfare from the Band of the RAF Regiment.

Barney said it was a dream come true when he was asked to officially launch the event.

“My granddad worked in British aerospace so I’ve been around planes all my life and it’s just something you don’t get out of your system,” he said. “He passed away in 2007 so it’s an emotional day for me, but absolutely amazing.”

The presenter added that on flying down to the launch from RAF Valley in Anglesey with former Farmor's School student Phil, he was shown a few eye popping manoeuvres that the Hawk was capable of.

“I got a model Hawk T1 for Christmas as a kid, so it was incredible to fly in the real thing,” Barney said. “Phil showed me some tricks like barrel rolls and turns, which made me feel like my eyes were squeezing together.”

Fairford-based Phil said: “Flying the Hawk is a special thing. It’s like a sports car in the air and can go to speeds of 550 miles per hour.”

The 32-year-old revealed that the Hawk is set to have a royal revamp in time for RIAT and will be sporting the colours of the union jack as a tribute to the Queen’s Diamond year.

He added: "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.”

Five aircraft touched down at the Fairford airbase for the launch event, including a ‘Royal’ Chipmunk, which was the actual two-seater trainer aircraft in which Prince Charles learned to fly.

An RAF Tucano, a deHavilland Vampire T11 and a US Air Force MC-130 Hercules, operated by US Special Forces, also flew in to give a hint of what is in store for the main event.

Tickets for RIAT, in aid of the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust, cost £39 and must be bought in advance of the July 7 and 8 event. Accompanied under 16s go free. For details and to book, visit airtattoo.com or call 0800 1071940