The world-famous Red Arrows may not be available for next year's Weymouth Carnival because the team is jetting off on a tour of the US.

They are set to depart from the UK at some point during August for a nine-week tour, but an exact date is still to be announced.

It has been confirmed that they will miss the 2019 Bournemouth Air Festival which is scheduled for August 29 until September 1.

The Red Arrows are a big draw at Weymouth Carnival but were unable to appear this year due to a prior booking.

Next year's carnival will take place on Tuesday, August 20 and Wednesday, August 21.

The Echo has attempted to contact organisers to find out whether they were hoping to book the Red Arrows.

Ministers and military officials say the Red Arrow's nine-week trip is expected to generate £2.5 billion in investment for Britain, and will be the team's first major tour of the US and Canada in more than 25 years.

It is predicted that the trademark red, white and blue displays will be watched by millions and is an opportunity for pilots and officials to meet business leaders, visit schools and attend other engagements during the tour, which follows the RAF's 2018 centenary celebrations.

Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson said: "Our Red Arrows fly the flag for Britain across the globe, both in the skies and on the ground, and this tour will not only showcase their teamwork and aviation excellence, but also promote our great nation to billions of people across the world.

"After an incredible year celebrating RAF 100, it seems only fitting that the Red Arrows prepare to illuminate the skies of our closest allies in 2019, celebrating and strengthening our incredible relationship with the US."

The tour will promote the Government's "GREAT" campaign, which was launched to mark the Queen's Diamond Jubilee in 2012 and raise the profile of British culture and business abroad.

Air Vice Marshal Warren James, the senior RAF officer responsible for the Red Arrows, added: "The deployment of the Red Arrows will demonstrate the global reach and capability of the RAF and our continuing support of the United Kingdom's defence and commerce industries.

"Together with the GREAT Britain campaign, Western Hawk 19 will showcase our excellence, professionalism and proud heritage in education, engineering, technology and finance to our allies.

"We are very much looking forward to our visit in August and September of 2019."