The Saga Group has been announced as the headline sponsor for Folkestone Airshow.

The over-50s holidays and insurance company, which last week announced a planned flotation on the Stock Exchange, joins several other local businesses in backing next month’s event.

Yvonne Holder, director of show organisers Open Air Promotions, said: “It is fantastic and immensely encouraging.

“Saga, one of Kent’s biggest employers and born in Folkestone, is an ideal title sponsor of the towns biggest weekend.”

The show includes an RAF Red Arrows 23-minute aerobatic display on the first day, which is being joint funded by Shepway District Council and Folkestone Town Council.

Open Air Promotions says that more than 20 different types of military and other aircraft are booked for the show, which is on the weekend of June 7 and 8.

Other RAF aircraft to appear on the opening day are the Battle of Britain Memorial flight group, consisting of a Lancaster bomber and two Spitfires, and Tucano and Tutor aircraft.

A Sea King search and rescue helicopter will also be there along with a Lynx.

Civilian aircraft and teams include a Strikemaster, the Blades and Breitling Wingwalkers.

The Sunday programme includes displays again by the Sea King, Kent Spitfire, three Gnat fighter aircraft, Mucle Biplane and the Tigers Freefall Parachute Team.

Music during the weekend will be provided by ABBA tribute group Bjorn Again and multi-instrumentalist Chris Andre.

As many as 200,000 visitors are expected so drivers are asked to book parking spaces in advance by the website www.folkestoneairshow.com.