MODEL Melinda Messenger swooped into RAF Fairford on a military helicopter on Tuesday to help launch the Royal International Air Tattoo.

The TV star, who is a big fan of the annual airshow, also made the flying visit to present RIAT co-founder Tim Prince with a Guinness World Record.

RIAT has been officially recognised as the largest military airshow in the world after 535 aircraft appeared at the Fairford airbase in 2003.

Melinda, 34, said: "I have been coming to the airshow for years - my dad used to bring us and I've been coming ever since.

"You can't beat actually being here and I will be bringing my boys along this time - I think they will have a fantastic time.

"I don't think you could ever get bored of aviation - it's another world."

But the world record was not the only one broken as veteran record-breaker Edwin Shackleton from Bristol was also on the helicopter.

By arriving in the RAF Merlin, Mr Shackleton broke his own incredible record of travelling in 814 different aircraft.

Tim Prince said: "We have got some great things going for next month.

"We are also delighted with the world record award and during the show this year we will have a number of other special record attempts happening."

RIAT takes place on July 16 & 17. Tickets are £35 (£29.95 in advance) but under 16s are free. For tickets call 0870 758 1918 or visit www.airtattoo.com

For your chance to win tickets to RIAT see next week's Standard.