MEN who helped to win the war in the air 60 years ago were back behind the controls, as veteran flyers and aircraft took to the skies over York.

Among them was a Second World War Harvard trainer, gliding high over the city skyline and the famous outline of its Minster.

We caught the veteran aircraft in all its glory - circling the city as part of a special reunion to mark the run-up to the 60th anniversary of VE Day.

More than 100 veteran airmen, trainee pilots and base officials gathered at RAF Church Fenton on Saturday to swap stories about the station.

The mix of war heroes, who used to serve at the base near York, and up-and-coming student fliers, from the Yorkshire Universities Air Squadron, ensured the event took off without a hitch.

Planes on parade on the day included the historic Tiger Moth, Mustang and Harvard, and a modern Grob trainer craft, which is used by RAF students today.

An account of the proud history of aircraft training at Church Fenton over the last 60 years was also on display at the base.

Veteran pilot Robert Halstead, from Nether Poppleton, flew Halifax bombers in the Second World War, completing 30 missions before moving on to train pilots in the Harvard.

The 83-year-old said veterans were "treated like royalty" by the RAF at the reunion, which included a lunch and several fly-bys.

He said: "It's great to see the old planes still up in the air.

"Although I like the displays (the directional aids on the control panels) in the new planes, so you can't get lost."

Sam Baker, 19, is studying at Sheffield University, but has been training with the RAF at Church Fenton for five months in his spare time in an effort to realise his fighter pilot dreams.

"I've wanted to fly since I was about four and went to an air show," he said.

"It's great to see these planes from the past - although they are a lot bigger and scarier than what we fly now."

A planned flight by a Tiger Moth over York had to be cancelled because of windy conditions.

But, as our picture shows, the Harvard still managed to roll back the years and make a nostalgic journey through the clouds.

Updated: 10:15 Monday, April 11, 2005