THE world famous aerobatic daredevil display team the Red Arrows will be coming to Minehead in August.

The visit, which has been arranged by Butlins with support from West Somerset Council, is a first for the town and promises to provide a breathtaking display for both residents and visitors alike.

The team will be in the sky above Minehead on August 11 at 3pm, weather permitting.

Julian Highfield, resort director at Butlins in Minehead, said: "I am so proud that Butlins has been able to attract the Red Arrows to Minehead for our guests and townspeople to enjoy and remember for years to come.

"They only do around 90 displays a year so it's a real coup that they are coming here.

"I'm sure all of our 6,500 guests on the resort at the time will look skyward as the Hawks roar into sight - I know I will!"

The Red Arrows are renowned throughout the world for their exhilarating air displays.

The teams was officially formed in 1965 and since then has completed 4,000 displays in 53 countries.

Marcus Kravis, Minehead Chamber of Trade chairman, said he was thrilled Butlins had secured the top flight air display team and hoped it would attract even more visitors to the town.

He said: "It will be an opportunity for traders to show their wares and the chamber would encourage all businesses to get right behind the day.

"It is an opportunity the town cannot afford to miss and is not a day for 'a can't do attitude' but a day for a 'let's do it attitude'.

"The chamber looks forward to supporting the day, it is exactly what Minehead and all of West Somerset and Exmoor needs."

On display day, Minehead seafront will be closed for the length of Warren Road to the West Somerset Railway station, alongside the lower end of The Avenue.

As well as the display itself, there will also be street entertainment, craft, charity and local produce stalls and children's entertainment organised by the district council.

Cllr David Sanders, the council's lead member for economic regeneration and tourism, said: "Minehead is a greta town and world-class acts like the Red Arrows go to reinforce our reputation as a major attraction in the South West.

"We're delighted to be working with Butlins to help make this a truly special day for visitors and residents."

Butlins and the district council are both working with Avon and Somerset Constabulary and Somerset County Council in a bid to manage the extra traffic and crowds expected in the town for the day.

The council's events manager, Jill Homewood, said: "It's early days, but we have a wide variety of requests for stalls so it should be a great day out for the whole family.

"Entertainment is planned at key areas in The Avenue, the town's main shopping area and on the seafront, so there will be plenty of amusements for everyone."

Mr Kravis added: "A big thank you must go to Butlin's but also to Jill Homewood from the district council for all the hard work I know she has already put in and the hard work that is to come.

"It will be a fantastic event and I urge the county and the town council to help the district council, both with financial and in physical support."

Anyone wanting to apply for a stall or stage entertainment should contact Ms Homewood on 01643 705075 or email [email protected]">[email protected].