MORE than 200 people paid their respects to founder member and trustee of the Yorkshire Air Museum, Ronald Pontefract.

Mr Pontefract, 81, from Elvington, York, died after a long illness.

His funeral took place at the museum yesterday in the atmospheric surroundings of the Canadian Memorial hangar.

He was honoured with a Scottish piper and an aircraft from RAF Linton-on-Ouse which conducted a low fly-past.

A spokesman for the museum said it was proud to host the service for Mr Pontefract.

He said: "A lone Tucano aircraft piloted by Flt Lt Mike Rhind, from RAF Linton-on- Ouse, provided a spectacular low pass over the museum in a fitting final tribute to a well-respected gentleman who will be missed by many."

Updated: 10:22 Thursday, March 13, 2003