A DAY of celebration on Saturday will mark 75 years of gliders flying from Dunstable Downs.

The first freestyle glider aerobatic competition in the UK is among the events planned between 10am and 6pm at London Gliding Club in Tring Road.

Trial lessons at reduced rates, a glider flight simulator and hot air balloons will also be on offer, as well as vintage gliders, both on display and flying, birds of prey and large scale model aircraft.

For children, there will be a bouncy castle and pony rides.
Club chairman Peter Miles said: "We believe it's quite an achievement.

"For any organisation to survive for 75 years and remain true to its raison d'etre and original commitments throughout has to be worthy of celebration.

"We want to make this celebration day a very special one, with our neighbours and friends sharing it with us."

There is no charge for admission to the event, but car parking will cost £2 per car.

The gliding club, the first in the UK, was founded in 1929 and officially inaugurated in February 1930.

It moved home several times before settling half a mile southwest of Dunstable.