Hot air balloons, a Spitfire and the Red Arrows are among the star attractions at today's revived Thornbury carnival.

The annual event has been absent for at least 13 years since being abandoned as a result of the cost, red tape and problems finding people to organise it.

But the team who have worked for months to bring the carnival back are hoping the day will be so successful, that it will encourage the town to make sure it remains a summer regular.

The event coincides with American Independence Day, so there will be a Sherman tank in the procession which leaves Castle School at 12.30pm.

Vintage agricultural vehicles, the Band of the Light Cavalry, cheerleaders, dancers, Nailsworth Silver Band, sports clubs and theatrical groups will also take part, as well as members of the organisations involved in putting on the spectacular Bridgwater carnival each November.

From 2pm there will be a host of events in the Mundy Playing Fields, including a display of classic Bristol cars, Indian dancing and a Punch and Judy show.

But all eyes will turn skywards at 4.15pm when a Spitfire from the Rolls-Royce Heritage Trust will be flown over the town. Air Marshal Sir John Allison, former commander-in-chief of RAF Strike Command, will pilot the aircraft.

He flew many fast jets in his earlier career, but has been retired for the past 10 years and now flies vintage and historic aircraft, as well as his own light aircraft.

There will be a special cheer for the Red Arrows when they roar across the sky at 5pm as they will be led by Wing Commander Jason Hawker, a former Castle School student. His family still live locally but Jason is based with the display team at RAF Scampton in Lincolnshire.

It is hoped up to 20 hot balloons will then take off just after 6pm, depending on the weather.

Muir Moffat, who is co-ordinating the balloons, said some special shaped balloons would be flying, including the Scottish piper familiar to those who attend the Bristol Balloon Fiesta.

Carnival spokesman Stephen Poole said: "The second part of the balloon event is a night glow with up to six or seven balloons inflating from about 8.40pm with music."