THE largest collection of vintage aircraft ever assembled in York will be on show for next weekend's Yorkshire Air Show.

The line-up for the Bank Holiday event at Elvington, sponsored by the Evening Press, has been strengthened with several more vintage jets, plus the UK's largest and most expensive private plane.

Advance ticket sales are better than organisers' "wildest dreams", with more tickets currently in production.

"It's going fantastically well," said chief organiser Ken Cothliff.

"Everyone is working frantically to get everything in place for the start, but we are sure it will be a wonderful event."

Two craft will be missing from the original line-up - the Catalina flying boat cannot be exported from Canada, and the Royal Navy Firefly will be absent after an accident last month.

But they will be replaced by a Second World War Mitchell bomber, a Canberra jet bomber, a supersonic Sea Vixen, and a Sabre jet, formerly used at RAF Linton-on-Ouse.

They will join the Red Arrows, a glider display celebrating the 150th anniversary of machine flight by North Yorkshire's Sir George Cayley, and a celebration of the Wright Brothers' centenary.

On the ground, Britain's most expensive private plane, complete with gym, full bathroom and double bedrooms, will be on show to lucky raffle winners.

Snow-boarding and Red Arrows simulators should draw young fans.

"There's something for everyone, and we have had a fantastic response so far, camping, traders, and ticket sales are all up," said Mr Cothliff.

"We want everyone to know the Red Arrows will be on early in the day, so make sure to be here nice and early for that, and come and make the most of what will be a great event."

The event will take place at Elvington air field on Sunday, August 25, from 1pm, and Monday, August 26, from noon.

Tickets are available from the booking hotline on 01759 305851.

Updated: 09:44 Saturday, August 16, 2003