VETERANS from the Second World War visited a major North Yorkshire attraction this weekend.

The Yorkshire Air Museum's annual Thunder Day took place yesterday, with engines of a number of aircraft fired up for the entertainment of visitors.

To coincide with the event, the Aces High Aviation Art Gallery held a signing event with more than a dozen veterans of the Normandy Invasion, and several Bomber Command veterans, all now in their 80s and 90s.

The jets run on the day included the Yorkshire-built Blackburn Buccaneer, the Mighty Hunter Nimrod, and the Victor V-Bomber known as Lusty Lindy, but also a Douglas Dakota after it was restored at the museum.

Ian Richardson, from the museum, said: "Few would have believed our team would have brought the rather sorry looking aircraft we took into our care in 2001 into the engine running condition and well fitted out machine that it is today, a true testament to the skill and dedication of our volunteers."

Among the engines being started for the event was a newly-restored First World War fighter plane, the Eastchurch Kitten - a linen-covered framework with a Citroen 2CV engine mounted - one of only three prototypes of built during the First World War as a weapon against Zeppelins.

Other guests at the event included Flight Lieutenant Terry Clark DFM AE, a Navigator and Gunner on Blenheims during the Battle of Britain, and Flight Lieutenant Jimmy Taylor, who flew Spitfires over Normandy on photo reconnaissance missions.