TOMORROW'S Royal International Air Tattoo has been cancelled.

Organisers made the decision following lengthy discussions with the police and other safety services after heavy downpours over the last few days.

Today's airshow had been cancelled at the 11th hour last night after downpours left the RAF Fairford car parks and airfield underwater.

And despite staff working overtime to improve the waterlogged conditions, airshow directors made the decision this afternoon not to continue with tomorrow's programme.

Air tattoo director Tim Prince said: "We have been working around the clock to improve the conditions on the airfield and in the car parks but unfortunately we have run out of time.

"Many people will be desperately disappointed but I would like to assure them that we have tried everything possible within the time available.

"Having worked towards this airshow for the past 12 months, my team at the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust Enterprises and our band of 3,000 enthusiastic and loyal volunteers share the huge sense of frustration."

The senior police commander for the air tattoo, Supt Tony Godwin, said: "It is with deep regret that the decision has been made to cancel the Royal International Air Tattoo on both days. This decision was not made lightly. It was made in the interest of those visiting or working at the event.

"We would like to take this opportunity to thank those who had been planning to attend the airshow, for their cooperation and understanding."

The air tattoo has set up a helpline advising customers how to claim ticket refunds as this cannot be done from the base itself.

Details of ticket refunds are available from the website at www.airtattoo.com or call the Air Tattoo Helpline on 01285 713300.