The Red Arrows are celebrating their 40th birthday at Biggin Hill

A party is being held by the Royal Air Force at Biggin Hill on Thursday for 300 young people from 22 schools and groups in London and the South East.

The Princess Royal will join them for displays by the Red Arrows and the RAF's Falcons parachute display team.

They will also be able to try out the latest RAF Typhoon aircraft simulator.

Flying as a member of the Red Arrows is a great challenge Flt Lt Jez Griggs

"Since the Red Arrows began our displays have been enjoyed by people of all ages," said team leader, Sqn Ldr Dicky Patounas.

"On this historic occasion it seemed fitting that we should invite our audience of the future to celebrate with us."

He said he hoped the young people would remember the birthday party for the rest of their lives.

"Perhaps one of them will be inspired to become a Red Arrow of the future," he said.

Since the team's first public display in the UK on 15 May 1965, it has flown more than 3,800 displays in 52 countries and it has 90 booked for the 2005 summer season.

'Privilege to be selected'

Two of the 1965 team members, Henry Prince and Richard Storer are attending the party.

Two of the current team were educated in Kent.

Flt Lt Jim Turner, 31, who went to The King's School, Canterbury, and joined the Red Arrows this year, said: "It is a privilege to be selected."

Flt Lt Jez Griggs, 35, who is in his third year with the team, went to St Edmunds School in Dover.

"Flying as a member of the Red Arrows is a great challenge, and it is an honour to represent the Royal Air Force," he said.