Paul Bowen, 57, launched the event with Tim Prince in 1971 whilst they worked as air traffic controllers at the Boscombe Down airfield, Wiltshire.

Over the years, the show has had many homes, but is now based at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire.

Paying tribute to the Bath-born aviator, colleagues said he was "simply the heart of the tattoo."

Driving force

Friends have described him as a natural showman, who was the driving force behind the tattoo's growth into one of the world's largest military airshows.

Last year, the event attracted more than 160,000 spectators and 500 aircraft from around the globe.

Money from the show goes to the RAF Benevolent Fund.

Tim Prince said: "RIAT (Royal International Air Tattoo) is a 4,000-strong family of volunteers, supporters and staff who are committed to staging a world-class event each year. Today, that family has lost its father."