Two microlight pilots are facing legal action over claims they invaded the airspace of the elite Red Arrows.

The alleged incident happened before the world-renowned RAF aerobatic team performed for thousands of people at the Airbourne airshow in Eastbourne.

It is said to have happened as the nine Hawk jets were travelling at about 500mph at the annual display on August 18 last year.

An investigation had been launched by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), the UK's independent aviation regulator.

Now, the CAA has decided to prosecute pilots Alexander Stevenson and Stuart Ball for alleged infringement of Red Arrows airspace.

Stevenson, of St Anthony's Road, Bournemouth, Dorset, and Ball, of Burton Road, Overseal, Swadlincote, Derbyshire, are charged with the same offence.

Both are accused of flying below 5,000ft above sea level within a restricted area during the airshow.

The charge is a summary offence, meaning it will be dealt with at a magistrates' court and carries a maximum penalty of £2,500.

At the time Stevenson was commanding a Pridal Pulsar aircraft while Ball was piloting an Auster 5 aircraft.

Both are due to appear at Eastbourne Magistrates' Court on April 15.

A CAA spokesman confirmed: "Two private pilots are being prosecuted for alleged infringement of airspace at an airshow in Eastbourne."