BUSINESSES are coming forward to help ensure the Southend Airshow goes ahead next year.

The regular summer airshow was scrapped this year when the borough council withdrew its funding, but it is being revived for 2014 with the promise it will be bigger and better than ever.

Volunteers Tom Curtis and John Delaney have set up a company to organise the event, which will be known as the Southend Airshow and Military Festival, in the first weekend of September.

The pair have already raised £150,000, but are still looking for more sponsors Urban Design & Print, based on the Victoria Business Park, in Southend, is the latest company to offer its backing to the new-look airshow.

It has offered free promotional services, including printing leaflets and artwork for the show.

Urban director Simon Able said: “I wanted to get involved as a sponsor both personally and as a business because Urban Design & Print is a locally-based business.

“We want to fully support this important major tourism event, showcasing the best of Southend, by helping provide a fabulous free day out for families.

“We are supporting the local economy and local traders by offering our printing services for free to the airshow.”

Another business has announced its involvement.

The Skylark Hotel, in Aviation Way, Southend, has offered free accommodation for pilots and support crews during the show and meeting rooms for the organisers’ use in the run-up to the event.

Co-organiser Mr Delaney said: “Printing is huge cost for us, so it is fantastic news Urban Design & Print stepped forward as a local sponsor to provide these services for free.

“It is heart-warming to have so many local companies coming forward to lend their support and I hope people choose our sponsors as their first point of contact when picking services for themselves.”

Tom Curtis added: “With every penny we save, we move one step closer to returning the airshow to the skies.”