TWO sales staff at a York estate agent have what it takes to go up in the world.

Amie Brooks and Verity Black, of Otisdale, won a plane flight over the city and parts of North and East Yorkshire, after winning an internal efficiency competition dubbed Otisdale Flying High.

Amie and Verity won the flight after coming top in the competition to input the requirements and contact details of several hundred potential house buyers as quickly and accurately as possible.

From Sherburn-in-Elmet airfield, they flew over Selby and east to the Humber Bridge, piloted by Gary O'Brien of Ardent Financial Services, Stillington, which provides financial advice to Otisdale's clients.

Verity, who lives in Sherburn-in-Elmet, said: "We also got a meal and a bottle of champagne. The flight was a little nerve-racking at first, but when we got up there it was great. This was the first time we have had an internal competition and it has kept us all motivated."

Reuben Barrett, Otisdale's managing director, said: "The competition was part of our strategy to have the best possible customer care by having an in-depth understanding of buyers' needs, both in terms of property and how and when they like to be contacted.

"Verity and Amie did really well. Naturally, we made sure that they had the meal and champagne after, rather than before, the flight!"

Updated: 11:14 Thursday, June 23, 2005