YOUNG visitors to the Yorkshire Air Museum are being invited to hunt for rabbits.

The rabbit hunt is taking place ahead of the anniversary of the formation of the first Free French bomber squadron 60 years ago at what was then RAF Elvington.

In honour of the 60th anniversary, staff at the museum are painting the Halifax bomber aircraft, which is stationed at the museum, in Free French Air Force colours.

The colours also include a rabbit motif that featured on some of the French insignia.

The rabbit motif was so distinctive that during the war it became a station mascot and a real rabbit kept on the base became a pet of the airmen.

Visitors to the museum on Sunday and Monday will be invited to search for fake rabbits around the museum with a chance of receiving a chocolate prize if they can answer a question.

Updated: 10:31 Wednesday, April 07, 2004