A BOURNEMOUTH MP will seek reassurances from the government about the future of the Red Arrows on Monday amid fears they could be disbanded.

Every year thousands of onlookers crowd the town's clifftops and pack the beaches to watch the world-famous Reds perform their astonishing aerobatics.

But as Britain's armed forces become increasingly stretched in Iraq and Afghanistan, speculation has grown that the Red Arrows could be axed from the defence budget.

Today Conservative MP Tobias Ellwood will ask the Defence Secretary to clarify the future of the popular display team in Parliament and seek assurances that it will not face substantial cuts in next year's budget.

"My greatest fear is that there's a secret plan to disband them," the MP for Bournemouth East said.

"I heard on the grapevine that there might be plans to cut the amount of smoke they use in their performance in order to save money.

"If we lost them it would be a terrible pity. They are a great inspiration and are tremendous ambassadors for the RAF."

Mr Ellwood claims the Red Arrows, which were founded in 1965, account for less than 0.2 per cent of Britain's £32 billion defence budget.

He added that they also support wider British interests through the promotion of British industry overseas. The Hawk aircraft flown by the team is British made and is one of the world's most popular training aeroplanes.

Chairman of Bournemouth Red Arrows Association Terry Trevett said: "I'm delighted and reassured in the knowledge that we have such strong backing from our local politicians for this very popular event."

This year's annual Red Arrows display will take place at the seafront at midday on August 17.