THOSE marvellous men in their flying machines will be racing above Pembrokeshire this weekend in the first-ever Schneider Trophy Air Race to be held in the county.

The race, which was first held in Monaco in 1913, has attracted 22 entrants from throughout Britain.

Organised by the Royal Aero Club, in conjunction with Haverfordwest Flight Centre, the race will see pilots setting off from Withybush and flying a three or four laps course over Abercastle, St Davids and Nolton Haven.

Among the varied aircraft are a couple of Beagle pups, two ex-military Beagle Bulldogs, a Russian Yak 50, and a home-built aircraft. There will also be a Slingsby Firefly, a Beech Baron, a Saab Safir, and two Pipers.

This is the only Schneider race to be held in Britain this year. The race itself will take place on Sunday at 1.30 pm, with a practice run at 11.30 am.

There will also be a race on Saturday at 3 pm with a practice run at 12 noon.

Great Britain retained the original Schneider trophy after three successive wins in 1927, 1929 and 1931. That trophy is now on display at the Science Museum in London and pilots compete for a replica trophy.

Spectators are welcome to visit Withybush Airport to watch the aircraft. There will also be a display of various classic and vintage cars, and a barbecue.