A TRAINEE pilot suffered serious burns after he was set on fire while dressed as a sheep at a party at a local RAF base.

The horrific incident took place at a fancy dress party at RAF Linton-on-Ouse, near York, which Prince William is due to attend next year.

The Press has been told how the pilot, a 26-year-old man on the RAF's fast jet training scheme, attended the party.

While there, it is alleged that an invited guest, who is not a member of the RAF, used a cigarette lighter to set fire to the pilot's costume.

The man suffered 14 per cent burns and has since had to undergo skin grafts.

The base's own firefighters were called out, as were North Yorkshire Police and an ambulance.

A spokesman for RAF Linton-on-Ouse confirmed the incident happened at a party following a graduation ceremony.

He said: "After an official Wings' ceremony and formal dinner, a fancy dress party was held by the graduates - for their families - in the Officers' Mess.

"It was at this event that one of our pilots suffered some 14 per cent burns when a guest - who is not a member of the RAF - is alleged to have set fire to his costume using a cigarette lighter.

"The pilot received immediate first aid assistance from qualified staff at the base and the matter is now in the hands of North Yorkshire Police, who were called to the incident without delay.

"For fear of prejudicing any enquiry, it would be wrong for us to comment further on the incident while police investigations are being carried out."

But the spokesman did say the pilot has responded well to treatment and has made a swift recovery. He is now back at RAF Linton and will rejoin his course mates in the new year.

He stressed that the alleged culprit is not a member of the RAF, adding: "RAF pilots are well disciplined. In this job they have to be. Social events are restricted to a handful each year and all are held at weekends.

"The RAF has a strict no drinking policy during the working day and requires pilots to be at maximum readiness by 6am ahead of an intense 12-hour day.

"There is no place for a drinking culture in RAF flying training and I reiterate that no RAF personnel have been accused of wrong doing in this case.

"The incident is deeply regrettable to us. We are sorry that the alleged action of a non-RAF guest spoiled an important, family-orientated function. But far worse it could have resulted in a very serious injury."

A spokeswoman for North Yorkshire Police confirmed they were investigating the matter.

She said: "Police were called to an incident at RAF Linton-on-Ouse where a 26-year-old man suffered serious burn injuries.

"A 23-year-old man was arrested in connection with the incident and is on police bail pending further inquiries."

As reported exclusively by The Press in October, Prince William is due to be stationed at the base next year in a scheme designed to familiarise the heir to the throne with the Armed Forces.

The spokesman from RAF Linton-on-Ouse said he could not confirm or deny the placement and that all media inquiries were being dealt with by Clarence House.