TALKS are to go ahead to bring an air show to Thanet as a major summer attraction next year. The idea has been given the unanimous backing of Thanet council's cabinet members.

Exploratory negotiations will be held with an international air show promoter who has staged similar successful events in the UK, including one Yorkshire, that was attended by council officers on a fact-finding mission.

Council leader Cllr Sandy Ezekiel said: “The council will consult fully with hoteliers, guest house owners, businesses and Thanet Tourist Board before any final agreement is reached.

“Our intention is to provide good quality attractions during weekends from June to September, stretching the holiday season further than the August school holiday weeks.

“The feedback about an air show has been extremely positive. We will stipulate that it will be a very low financial risk to the council and its taxpayers.”

Air days were held at the former RAF airbase at Manston during the early 1990s and proved so popular that roads leading into Thanet were jammed for hours with huge traffic jams as spectators flocked to see static and aerial displays.

The location for the planned event remains a secret but it is understood that it would be on a coastal area and not based inland at Kent International Airport at Manston.

Although much of the detail has yet to be finalised, it is understood that the Red Arrows daredevil aerobatics display specialists will be approached to take part as the centrepiece of the spectacular.

Negotiations are at an early stage but Cllr Roger Latchford, Thanet council cabinet member for leisure, culture and tourism, said: “These are exciting proposals which would lead to a major new event for Thanet for 2005 that would attract thousands of people to the area.

“We need to expand the visitor base for Thanet and the plans being put forward would help to achieve this aim."