ORGANISERS of an Abingdon air show fear visitors may stay away from their event because of confusion with a damp squib held last year.

The RAF Spirit of Adventure air show was cancelled last May on its second day due to heavy rain, which contributed to a disappointingly small crowd.

Visitors were upset the decision to pull the plug was made just a few hours before it was due to open.

But organisers of the Abingdon Air and Country Show are keen to stress that the only connection between the two shows is the venue - Abingdon Airfield, at Dalton Barracks.

Colin Smith, the air and country show's press and sponsorship officer, said: "The most important thing is that we are not, and never will be, anything to do with the Spirit of Adventure.

"The only tenuous link is we both use the same venue.

"We are a civilian event and all money raised will go to the Thames Valley and Chiltern Air Ambulance."

He said there was already confusion surrounding the event, on May 4.

He said: "Last year there was confusion in the run up to our show. We are worried it may have a knock-on effect.

"The failure of the Spirit of Adventure left a bad taste in the mouths of people in Abingdon, and we are quite worried about it. But we hope our previous year's reputation will set us in good stead and people will know we are a good event."

Organisers hope this, the ninth air and country show at the site, will be the best yet.

Crowds of up to 10,000 people are expected and tickets are already selling well.

One of the main attractions will be a three-hour flying display featuring a Second World War P-40 Kittyhawk, a Supermarine Spitfire, 1950s Percival Pembroke, Hawker Hunter jet and a Douglas DC6 transport aircraft.

There will also be 70 other aircraft on static display.

Visitors can also take to the skies in an historic DeHavilland Dragon Rapide.

On the ground, there will be displays of cars, steam machinery and military vehicles.

There will also be a craft fayre, amusements, a mobile farm, and performances by Kennington Brass Band and a dog agility team.

Tickets cost £10 for adults, £5 for children aged five to 15, and £5 for senior citizens. Under fives get in free.

Tickets are available from Abingdon Information Office, The Warehouse, Didcot First Office, Clothes 4 Work in Didcot, or online at the website abingdonfayre.com