Cook Margaret unveils her secret recipe on Yorkshire Day (From York Press)

Cook Margaret unveils her secret recipe on Yorkshire Day

9:00am Tuesday 1st August 2006 in

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A DINNER lady is hanging up her apron after feeding fresh-faced pilots for 29 years with a promise to divulge a closely-guarded family recipe.

Airbase stalwart Margaret Hullah agreed to leave behind her secret recipe for the perfect Yorkshire pudding as her departure coincides with Yorkshire Day, today.

Margaret, who lives near Thirsk, has served lunch at all the Vale of York's RAF training bases including Dishforth, Topcliffe and, for the last four years, Linton-on-Ouse.

Margaret's Yorkshire puds have become legendary throughout the RAF, and as all jet pilots are trained in Yorkshire there can't be many who have not tried them.

Until now she has refused to divulge her recipe, but today her leaving present to the base and contribution to Yorkshire Day celebrations will be to finally tell how it's done.

Margaret said she was sad to be leaving, but is off to set up a caf of her own with husband, John.

August 1 was chosen for Yorkshire Day because on that day in 1759 soldiers from Yorkshire Regiments laid white roses alongside fallen comrades on the battlefield of Minden, Germany, during the Seven Years War.

Other Yorkshire Day celebrations today include the Great York Maze Bale Race at York Maze, where competitors will cover a 100 metre sprint while pushing a round bale, with team and individual prizes up for grabs.

Meanwhile, between 11am and 4pm, Harrogate Tourist Information Centre will be playing traditional Yorkshire music and offering local produce including cheese, sausages, smoked salmon, toffee and tea. There will be two Yorkshire quizzes with a family ticket to the 2007 Great Yorkshire Show on offer.

The Yorkshire Air Museum, Elvington, is holding a celebration of aviation power in honour of Sir George Cayley, the Yorkshire-born inventor who is known as the "father of aeronautics".

Margaret's recipe

8 oz plain flour.

Pinch of salt and pepper.

pint of water and pint milk (mixed).

6 eggs.

Mix until smooth.

Heat oven to 220 degrees Celsius. Put drop of oil into tins. Add mixture.

Secret tip: Keep all doors and windows closed. Don't open the oven until they have risen.