MORE than 15,000 people from all over the country are thought to have visited this year's Yorkshire Air Show at Elvington.

Although the exact figures are not yet known show organisers believe, despite the cool weather, about 15 to 20,000 people passed through the gates.

The thousands of visitors to the annual two-day spectacular on Sunday and Monday were treated to an array of aeroplane acrobatics including one of the highlights - a display from the 1950s ex-military jet the Sea Vixen.

Everything went to plan, and the only display which had to be cancelled was the RAF Falcons sky dive which was unable to go ahead on Monday because of the wind.

Areas around the airfield were also packed with many people parking their cars to watch the breathtaking displays.

Event organiser Ken Cothliff said: "We have had a bigger and better display than ever with some extremely rare aeroplanes, many of which have never flown in Yorkshire air before. Many people have said it has been a brilliant show and the best they have ever seen."

Another highlight was the £13 million Apache AH64 helicopter especially flown in from Holland.

It was the first time the helicopter has appeared at the show and although it was there just to be exhibited visitors were given an extra treat when it took to the air.

Ken said all in all the show had been a big success and he was pleased the weather held out over both days.

He added: "We have also been absolutely delighted with terrific support that we have had from the Evening Press - we could not have wished for a better sponsor."

Updated: 11:57 Tuesday, August 27, 2002