4:46PM, Sat Jul 21, 2012

Wingwalkers and Fireworks As Sunderland Airshow Makes A Flying Start

By Andy Hughes Location: Sunderland

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Sunderland Mayoress Barbara McClennan took to the skies as part of the airshow programme

Jet fighters, parachutists and stunt fliers have been thrilling the crowds at the Sunderland International Air Show.

The Wearside coastline was bathed in beautiful sunshine as what is one of the largest free airshows in Europe got off to a flying start.

The event, now in its 24th year, started with live music and fireworks and continued with performances from the Red Arrows, the RAF Falcons, and a Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.

It was brought forward this year to avoid clashing with the beginning of the Olympic Games.

Extra busses have been laid on to carry visitors to and from the coast and save drivers the hassle of trying to park at the event.

Sunderland mayoress Barbara McClennan showed her daredevil side when she did a wing walk on a biplane at Newcastle airport.

And shoppers will be able to view the 30s styled light aircraft, the Flying Flea as well as a models of the Spitfire suspended from the ceiling of The Bridges, which has joined forces with North East Land, Sea and Air Museum.

It is the first time a replica plane has ever been suspended from inside a shopping centre roof in the North East.

Andy Bradley, centre director of The Bridges, said: "We are privileged to be the first shopping centre to hang replica planes from our roof and think it is a brilliant way to unite the air show, museum and city under one roof."