TOGETHER they shared the horrors of war. The bond between one group of former "Ack-Ack" women has remained unbroken for more than 60 years - as they demonstrated when they met up again in York.

More than a dozen women who were at the forefront of Britain's anti-aircraft defences during the Second World War attended the Army's open day at Imphal Barracks in Fulford, to swap stories and remember days gone by.

They joined more than 5,000 visitors, who flocked to take a seat in helicopters, try their stamina at assault courses and watch the Army motorbike display team - The White Helmets - work their magic.

Last year was the last official reunion of the "Ack-Ack" ladies - so called because they used anti-aircraft guns and searchlight batteries to stop enemy warplanes, and "Ack-Ack" was the nickname for anti-aircraft fire.

But many turned out again and met at Imphal Barracks in Fulford Road, York, where they cast their eyes over the latest Rapier missiles, a 21st century defence against air attacks.

Joan Sheard, 84, of Rotherham, said: "We were gunners and radar girls. They were smashing times."

The crowds also turned out to celebrate the end of the Second World War during a VE Day commemoration at Stamford Bridge.

Henry Smith, who organised the day, said more than 170 residents turned out at the village hall to dance, take tea and enjoy a fancy dress party for village children. The event, which raised £440 for the Royal British Legion, was planned to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the end of hostilities in a traditional fashion.

Meanwhile, teams of youngsters raised more than £1,000 for Caroline Stuttle's Rainbow Foundation after holding a kickathon at the Coppergate Centre, York.

More than 25 enthusiastic participants from the White and Red Dragons reached their 3,000 kick target in only 35 minutes. Organiser Russ Bowerman said the team had also been helped by a donation from Heworth firm Quartz Travel.

Vital funds were raised for research into heart conditions as passers-by laid a trail of coins around York Minster.

The event, which has been running biannually for 20 years, helped to raise money for the British Heart Foundation.

Birds of prey, lizards and snakes were competing with the movies at Vue Cinema, at Clifton Moor, York, as the multiplex organised a mini zoo to mark the release of Madagascar. Face painters and balloon artists were also on hand as youngsters flocked to see the new Dreamworks film, by the team that created Shrek.

Updated: 10:31 Monday, July 18, 2005