REDUCED-price gliding lessons, motor glider rides, flights in a glider simulator and low-level fly-pasts by an RAF Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Spitfire and a Sea King helicopter will be among the highlights of Dartmoor Gliding Society's second and final open day of 2012 at Brentor Airfield on Saturday, August 25.

The gates open at 9.30am, with free entry and free car parking for everyone.

Glider flights will be on offer throughout the day, with a powerful winch hauling the aircraft into the sky to a height of around 1,300ft (400 metres). Handling the dual controls for the first time, or having your flight extended with the help of a thermal air current is exciting for most first-timers.

The Spitfire and Sea King fly-pasts are scheduled for around 2pm, weather and operational priorities permitting.

Guests of honour will be mayor of West Devon Borough Council Cllr Robin Musgrave, Cllr William Cann and Mrs Cann.

In addition to the airborne activities, there will be other attractions, including a lucky draw to win flights in a motor glider and glider, a static display of modern and vintage gliders and model aircraft, as well as a bouncy castle, burger and ice­-cream vans and candy floss and popcorn stalls.

Among static displays will be the airframe of a training glider which has had the fabric removed prior to refurbishment, enabling visitors to see the workmanship that goes into the flying machines.

Dartmoor Gliding Society secretary Sandra Buttery said: 'Our active members range from people in their 80s to teenagers, and our commitment to encouraging young people in particular is reflected in the fact that we were recently accredited by the British Gliding Association as a Junior Gliding Centre.'

Obviously, many of the day's activities depend on the weather. However, pre-booking of trial lessons is recommended and anyone wishing to do so can contact Mike Keller on 07873 483001 or email info@dartmoorgliding.

co.uk