VISITORS to the News Shopper-sponsored 2004 Biggin Hill International Air Fair are set to find excitement at ground level as well as in the skies.

The RAF at War living history group will be reconstructing what life was like at a World War Two air base.

Dressed in period costume and using authentic equipment and props, pilots sit and wait for the air raid siren which signals a mad scramble for their Spitfires before dashing off to take part in the Battle of Britain.

Portraying a Flight Lieutenant, 37-year-old Nigel Carver said: "Our aim is not to glorify the war or the people in it.

"We just portray a period in our history and the personal sacrifices given during those dark days which should never be forgotten."

The air fair takes off on September 18 and 19. As well as the living history group there will be children's amusements, craft tents, vintage vehicles, beer tents and picnic areas, as well as quad bikes and a chance to meet Dad's Army.

In the skies, aircraft from Spitfires to luxurious Constellations will swoop and dive while the Red Arrows will put on a display on the Sunday.

Colin Hitchins, from organisers Air Display International, believes the Biggin Hill Airfair will be the must-see event of the year.

He said: "As well as the exciting scramble reconstruction, we've managed to obtain many aircraft that have been unavailable in previous years including American F-15s and the Catalina sea plane."

Tickets on the day cost £19 for adults and £7 for children. Advanced tickets are available at a reduced price on 0870 7563727.