HUNDREDS of people across York looked to the sky as RAF planes flew overhead in memory of the thousands of airmen who died during the Second World War.

The tribute marked the 50th anniversary of an air force memorial being unveiled at York Minster by the Duke of Edinburgh.

War veterans and families of those who died were among the guests for a special service at the cathedral in the run-up to Remembrance Sunday.

A parade by members of the Royal Air Force Association and the RAF Regiment Band began the event yesterday.

Tourists and shoppers gathered to watch the Tucano planes flying in diamond formation over the Minster.

Ray Kidd, chairman of the York branch of the RAF Association, said: "It is a big day for the air force and the families of those honoured by the memorial.

"It is also a special time of year for former servicemen in the lead up to Remembrance Sunday."

Prince Phillip dedicated the memorial, an astronomical clock which stands at the North Transept of the cathedral, at a ceremony on November 1, 1955. A book of remembrance containing the names of 18,000 men and 24 women from Yorkshire, Durham and Northumberland who died in the Second World War is kept in a glass case in front of the clock.

Alan Bott, who organised the memorial and met the duke, said: "For 50 years, thousands of relatives and friends have come from across the world to see a cherished name in the book."

About 500 servicemen, civic dignitaries and members of the public paid their respects at a service led by the Dean of York, the Very Rev Keith Jones, and Rev John Hetherington, RAF chaplain from Linton-on-Ouse.

Colin Northridge, county field officer of the British Legion for North and East Yorkshire, encouraged people to mark the two minutes' silence on November 11, when there will be service at the railway monument.

On Remembrance Sunday, November 13, servicemen will parade from the Eye of York at 10.30am to Stonegate, where they will be joined by veterans, and the groups will continue for a service at the memorial gardens at 11am.

Selby's annual Remembrance Day service will be held in the war graves section of Selby Cemetery on November 11.

A service will take place at Selby Abbey at 10am on Sunday, November 13.

Parades are also happening in Fulford, Thirsk, Harrogate and Stamford Bridge.

Are you holding a Remembrance Service? Phone Nadia Jefferson-Brown on 01904 653051 ext 316, or email nadia.jeffersonbrown@ycp.co.uk, with details of events.

Updated: 09:32 Wednesday, November 02, 2005