THE UK’s biggest Royal Navy aviation celebration began on Merseyside yesterday with the arrival of HMS Illustrious.

The national strike carrier and Royal Navy flagship will be the focus of a sensational fly-past at 2pm today.

This is the great northern event for the Navy’s aviation centennial, Fly Navy 100.

Up to 44 vintage and current aircraft from the Fleet Air Arm (FAA) will fly from south to north along the Mersey to the river mouth.

HRH Prince Andrew, Duke of York and FAA Commodore-in-Chief, will arrive by helicopter to take the fly-past salute on HMS Illustrious.

He will be accompanied by Commander-in-Chief Fleet Admiral Sir Trevor Soar, on the carrier, moored at Liverpool Cruise Terminal, near the Pier Head.

This will be a bigger and better event than London’s fly-past in May, said Capt Ben Key, HMS Illustrious’s master.

As the carrier approached the Mersey, Capt Key said: “London airspace is very restricted, whereas the Mersey is a perfect location.

“Also, being anchored mid-river, we weren’t open to the public, which we can do at Liverpool Cruise Terminal.

“Here we give the public a real sense of what we do.”

On his last visit to Liverpool in 2002, as master of HMS Lancaster, Capt Key berthed in the dock system.

“Now I’m taking the Royal Navy’s flagship in by the Royal Liver Building, which is fantastic.

“This is a great year for Royal Naval aviation and the Fleet Air Arm.