As imposing tanks patrol the ground and a P51 Mustang performs spectacular summersaults overhead, the gritty face of war will descend on Headcorn Aerodrome, near Maidstone.

The aerodrome was one of the bases used during the Battle of Britain and it salutes its military past with the Combined Ops weekend show.

Two days of nostalgic ground and air action will include aerobatic displays from an American P51 Mustang and RAF Hurricane.

Crowds heading to the event this weekend will see the moving Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.

There will be re-enactments of a Second World War air-raid scramble with classic fighter planes like the Russian Yak soaring above.

Families needing a break from the action can wander the 30 living history displays covering periods up to the Gulf War.

Then they can jump straight back into the action with a pleasure flight on a 1930s Dragon Rapide passenger bi-plane.

For those who prefer to keep their feet on the ground, there's also the chance to ride in a tank.

After watching model aircraft flying displays, a stroll through the rows of privately-owned military vehicles leads to more than 60 craft stalls selling everything from Jeeps to jerrycans.

Combined Ops organiser James Baxter said: "We have a fun packed programme for the whole family with classic and vintage aircraft flying by all weekend long, and dramatic battle re-enactments taking place with lots of explosions.

"Children can try their hand at driving our mini tanks and with a wide selection of refreshments and food available all over the weekend, you can easily while away the whole day here."

The gates at Combined Ops open from 10am to 6pm on Saturday, August 13 and 10am to 5pm on Sunday, Augist 14. Admission is £9, seniors and children £6, families £25. More details on the event at 01303 267271.