CLASSIC motorbikes, model aeroplanes, champion horses, and a charity "pub crawl" through York were among the attractions on offer in our area at the weekend.

Bike fanatics from all over the country descended on Elvington for the York Classic and Superbike Rally 2003.

The event, held at the Yorkshire Air Museum yesterday, included more than 100 bikes, ranging from vintage vehicles to modern high-powered machines.

The rally, which has been running for three years, included exhibits from Scotland and Wales.

Visitors were also able to look around the air museum and enjoy a helicopter ride.

Meanwhile, more than 3,000 people watched as model aircraft took to the skies over Rufforth at the Yorkshire Giant and Jet Model Spectacular.

The annual event is now in its 14th year and moved to the Rufforth venue four years ago.

Along with top model aircraft, visitors were treated to a classic car and motorcycle rally, glider and microlight flights, and a trade show.

Show secretary Christine Hayton, said the weather was great and the event was attended by a wide range of people.

She said: "From tots in pushchairs right up to retired people, there is a good cross-section of people that come."

Equestrian classes topped the bill at this year's Boon Hill Show, with riders from all over Yorkshire travelling to the venue.

The event is organised by the Saltersgate Farmers' Hunt, and took place at Newton-upon-Rawcliffe, north of Pickering, on Saturday. The show has been going for more than 30 years and includes an array of competitions from dog events to horticulture and cookery.

Secretary Lisa Webb said: "Entries in all sections of the show were very good, but especially so in the horse classes."

York's civic leaders took part in a charity "pub crawl" to honour one of the city's oldest traditions - the Assize of Ale.

The Lord Mayor, Coun Chas Hall, and the Sheriff of York, Coun Keith Orrell, toured the city on Saturday testing the quality of ales, along with members of the Guild of Scriveners.

The historic event was originally intended to test whether the ale on offer in the city is of marketable quality.

Now it is a way of raising money for charity through donations along the route.

This year the Yorkshire Air Ambulance, Multiple Sclerosis, Sight Savers and the Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Society will benefit.

Updated: 11:33 Monday, August 11, 2003