An airline pilot plans to fly a Bleriot XI across the Channel this summer.

It is one of a range of events being held in east Kent area this summer as the campaign continues to bring the Olympic Torch through Dover in 2012.

One of the main highlights will be a weekend of celebration taking to the air on July 25 and 26 to mark the centenary of Louis Bleriot making the first flight across the Channel, and Mikael Carlson plans to re-create the flight in a Bleriot XI monoplane.

Swede Mr Carlson, 49, has been interested in aviation since childhood and is now captain of a Boeing 737.

A procession of aeroplanes will fly from Calais to Dover forming part of an air pageant marking the anniversary, and there will be a display by the Red Arrows.

Dover seafront will be home to a number of Anglo-French and Anglo-Italian themed activities, and there will be a firework spectacular across the harbour. Other events planned for this year include Time Travelling at Dover Castle on the first May Bank Holiday, Deal Regatta Week between July 25 and 31, with the carnival on July 30, Dover Regatta on the weekend of August 8 and 9, and another outdoor cinema event at Dover’s Connaught Park at the end of August.

For more information, visit the district council website at www.dover.gov.uk and click on All Community Events.