A BATON relay celebrating the centenary of the RAF travelled through York before arriving at Yorkshire Air Museum near the city on Thursday.

Runners departed with the baton from York Minster in the morning and arrived at the museum in Elvington about an hour later to perform a handover of the specially designed RAF100 Baton.

A team of 20 cyclists was ready and waiting to take it over and complete a circuit leg of some 100 miles to reach Leconfield, home of the Defence School of Transport.

Ian Richardson, from the museum, said: “We were very pleased to be able to help the RAF with the baton relay.

“It was great to see the teams this morning.

“We wish them the best with their endeavours.”

The handover at the museum took place in front of the Handley Page Victor V-Bomber, Nimrod MR2 and Fairey Gannet aircraft.

On Wednesday, the baton went from RAF Linton on Ouse to York Minster.

The baton is being carried by RAF personnel, cadets, veterans and members of the many sporting associations that make up the RAF.

Many forms of transport are being used, including boats and parachute.

Over the course of 100 days the relay is visiting 100 locations connected to the RAF on its tour around Britain ahead of the major RAF100 event in London in July.

Yorkshire Air Museum will also be represented at the event with a First World War vintage aircraft being loaned to the RAF for the occasion.

The relay began its journey at the Royal Courts of Justice on April 1 and will end on July 10 on Horse Guards Parade.

The challenge is being mounted to raise funds for various RAF charities, such as the RAF Benevolent Fund and RAF Association.