CHILDREN are being asked to create a colourful poster for the Blades aerobatic performance in Falmouth this summer - with a chance of winning VIP tickets for the event.

The event, organized by Falmouth Harbour Commissioners (FHC) as part of Falmouth Week, will take place on Wednesday, August 15 at 6.15pm.

It is the first time the Blades will have performed in the skies over the town, after the team agreed to step in when the Red Arrows could not make it this year.

Some of the country's most experienced display pilots, The Blades are experts in aerobatics. The team started 2012 as world record holders after setting the world record for flying 26 consecutive formation loops at the end of 2011.

Since their debut display at the Beckhams' pre World Cup party in 2006, the team have performed at some of the most prestigious events in the world, including the Bahrain F1 Grand Prix, T4 On the Beach, Cowes Week and the Cannes International Advertising Festival.

The four-aircraft display team flies at a height of between 200ft and 2,000ft and will be best viewed from the same vantage points as the Red Arrows in previous years.

It is hoped record crowds of more than 30,000 people will flock to the town to watch them.

FHC is inviting local children to design a colourful poster promoting the event to be displayed in the window of FHC's offices in Falmouth's main street.

Mark Sansom, Falmouth Harbour Master and Chief Executive of FHC, said: “We are all counting down to the Blades display, and look forward to welcoming them to Falmouth for the first time.

“This is the ideal opportunity for children to get involved in this special event, which is one of the biggest in Falmouth's calendar. I'm looking forward to lots of colourful entries landing on my desk and brightening up the FHC office.

“Last year's competition was an overwhelming success, with more than 70 entries from primary schools across Falmouth. I'm looking forward to lots of colourful entries landing on my desk and brightening up the FHC office once again.

“FHC is committed to working closely with the community to make the most of this exciting opportunity, and we hope that involving local schools will promote the event and help form positive relationships for the future.

“The competition gives children the chance to learn a little more about our role within the harbour and sea safety, whilst getting involved in the build-up to the Blades.”

The winning pupils, and their family, will get the chance to watch the Blades display from a VIP area, as well as the opportunity to meet the Blades commentators and win a special goodie bag.

The competition will be open to all primary school pupils in Falmouth and the surrounding areas. Entries should be sent to: Blades Competition, Falmouth Harbour Commissioners, 44 Arwenack Street, Falmouth, TR11 3JQ by Friday, July 13.