A THOUSAND people took advantage of the autumn sunshine for a family day out at Elvington Air Museum.

Demonstrations from the museum's registered fire service were especially popular at yesterday's event, as firefighters showed children how to use fire extinguishers and foam to douse flames.

Two Camel aircraft from RAF Linton-on-Ouse made an appearance for the day, and the engines of the museum's own Blackburn Buccaneer were running, enabling visitors to see the mechanics of a plane preparing for flight.

The day out was part of a series of events for children over the half-term week.

Museum operations manager, Ian Dewar, said the day had left museum staff "tired, but delighted."

He said: "It has been an exciting day and we are very please so many people came."

Updated: 11:28 Monday, October 27, 2003