SIR Richard Branson was helping to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the first manned flight today by taking to the skies in a replica of the "Cayley Flyer".

The Virgin tycoon was attempting to soar into the skies above North Yorkshire in the Flyer.

This weekend marks the 150th anniversary of the first manned flight - in a machine pioneered by the "father of aviation", Sir George Cayley.

Sir Richard was attempting the flight across Brompton Dale, between Pickering and Scarborough - where Sir George's coachman was first propelled into flight.

Updated: 12:16 Saturday, July 05, 2003