A HUDDERSFIELD man is to take part in a major airshow with the world-famous Red Arrows aircraft display team.

Lee Robinson, a junior technician in the Royal Air Force, is a new face in the RAF's renowned display flight team.

Huddersfield-born Lee, 27, joined the Red Arrows in 2002 after completing a stay at RAF Marham.

He is one of about 100 members from different RAF departments who orchestrate the air displays, featuring nine Hawk aircraft.

Lee works as part of the circus - a nine-strong technical support team who travel from location to location in the planes' rear cockpits. His task is to manage the aircraft's servicing, as well as the preparation of the pilots' flying kit.

Lee will be looking after Red 6 throughout this year.

He will be working under Red Arrows boss Sqdn-Ldr Carl "Spike" Jepson, 37.

Cyprus-born Sqdn-Ldr Jepson went to Silcoates School in Wakefield before gaining RAF scholarships.

He took command of the Red Arrows in November, 2001.

Both men will form part of a bank holiday extravaganza at the Yorkshire Air Show at Elvington Airfield, near York, on August 24 and 25.

The breath-taking manoeuvres the Red Arrows are renowned for will be on display.

In addition, the nine-plane team will undertake a new move, the spectacular Champagne Split.

The move is fitting, as this year's air show celebrates Yorkshire's pivotal role in the development of aviation.

Show organiser Ken Cothliff said: "In a year when Yorkshire is the focal point for celebrations throughout the aviation world, the fact that two members of the team are local lads makes it that little bit more special."

The two-day show marks the 150th anniversary of the first manned, heavier than air machine flight at Brompton Dale, near Scarborough.

The craft was designed by Sir George Cayley and flown by his footman.

All types of aircraft, including Catalina flying boats, Spitfires, Hurricanes, Tornadoes and The Utterly Butterly Flying Circus will take to the skies above Elvington.

For ticket prices or further information phone the show hotline on 01759 305851 or visit www.elvington.org.uk