A TASTE of the high life will be on offer at the Yorkshire Air Show this weekend, from the largest privately-owned jet in the UK.

The $60 million Boeing BBJ2, owned by Yorkshire businessman David Hood, has recently had an $18 million refit, making the 19-passenger jet one of the most luxurious in the world.

Visitors will be able to buy a raffle ticket, in aid of York's Woodlands Sclerosis Respite Care Centre, for the chance to be shown around the jet, which costs £8,500 per hour to hire.

"Everyone knows about private jets, but only a few ever get the chance to step on board and see what they're really like," said show chief organiser Ken Cothliff.

The event at Elvington Airfield takes place on Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday, and features the largest collection of vintage aircraft ever assembled in York.

There will also be an appearance by the Red Arrows, a glider display celebrating the 150th anniversary of machine flight by North Yorkshire's Sir George Cayley and daring aerobatics from Europe's only professional wingwalking team, the Utterly Butterlies. To celebrate their visit, the team is offering two lucky Evening Press readers the opportunity to take part in a trolley dash on September 21 at the Asda store in Monks Cross, York. To enter, send a postcard with your name and contact details to; Evening Press Trolley Dash, RFC Rendcomb Airfield, Cirencester, GL7 7DF. In addition, the first ten people to check in with an Utterly Butterly tub lid at the Asda Customer Services desk on Friday can collect a free ticket to the show. Tickets for the Evening Press sponsored Yorkshire Air Show are available by calling the booking hotline 01759 305851.

Updated: 08:42 Wednesday, August 20, 2003