Virgin chief Sir Richard Branson flew into the Biggin Hill Air Fair at the weekend and praised the News Shopper for saving the show.

Sir Richard, who arrived at the event in a helicopter, said he had always been a big fan of the show and it was “virgin” on the ridiculous that it had faced closure.

The flamboyant entrepreneur, who was there to promote his new Airbus A340-600, said the News Shopper deserved great praise for saving the event.

He said: “It is a fantastic achievement saving the show and I would like to congratulate you for it. I manage to come here every couple of years and it is a truly great event.

“As usual it is the people who help make it such a success and I look forward to returning again soon.”

The air fair, which celebrated its 40th anniversary at the weekend, had faced closure in October last year due to lack of funds, until the News Shopper led a consortium to save it.

Group editor Andrew Parkes was delighted Sir Richard praised the paper for stepping in to rescue the show at the eleventh hour.

He said: “Thousands of flight fans at the Biggin Hill Air Fair were thrilled when the Virgin boss flew in to say hello and took the time to speak to Shopper readers and sign autographs.

“The world-famous air show proved a massive success, with many of the crowd saying 2003 was the most enjoyable year yet.”