A NEAR-unique example of the battle for the skies during the Second World War has made a brief homecoming to York.

Fairey Swordfish biplanes were made in factories across Yorkshire during the war years.

The parts were made at different locations so production could not be bombed out, before they were eventually assembled at Sherburn-in-Elmet airfield.

There is just one working example of a Fairey Swordfish left in Europe, and it stopped off at Sherburn-in-Elmet as part of the Royal Navy Historic Flight on Friday.

The plane - which celebrates its 60th birthday this year - played a vital part in the Allied war effort, most famously leading the attack on the German battleship, Bismarck.

Swordfish are also credited with sinking 350,000 tonnes of enemy shipping, 12 U-boats and crippling 30 major enemy warships.

The exisiting Swordfish's long life is partly thanks to York College, which agreed to sponsor it three years ago.

Since then the college has raised money to help keep the plane active.

The college pays for its stand at the Yorkshire Air Spectacular, and also helps fund the naval historic flight.

The historic group, said college lecturer and Swordfish enthusiast Bob Buck, is the naval equivalent of the RAF's Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.

He said of the Swordfish: "It is an incredible example of aviation history.

"Seeing the plane heading for the landing strip at Sherburn was quite an emotional sight, because she was coming home to where she was built.

"There wasn't a dry eye on the airfield - particularly as there were some of the original airmen there to watch it.

"They still played a major role in the war effort though - and we aim to make sure they are never forgotten."

Find more information about the Swordfish at www.swordfishleeds.com

Updated: 12:56 Wednesday, September 19, 2001