MILITARY bases across North Yorkshire and the county's police force have been put on full alert with disaster plans on standby in the wake of the terrorist horror.

North Yorkshire Police said extra officers were mounting "reassurance patrols" following the attacks on the USA.

"All relevant emergency and disaster plans are ready for immediate implementation," a spokesman said.

He added that the force was also liaising with Ministry of Defence police at the Menwith Hill base, near Harrogate, and the Fylingdales base, near Whitby.

Ryedale residents reported increased RAF air activity as the crisis unfolded yesterday.

They said more jets than usual could be seen flying across the North York Moors.

But senior officers at RAF Fylingdales, said they had no knowledge of British planes taking to the air because of the terrorist attacks.

Wing Commander Chris Knapman said: "Obviously we keep a very close eye on things around the world and have been watching the news like everyone else.

"But if there is increased air activity over the Ryedale area that will not have anything to do with events in the States."

Wng Cdr Knapman also said there would be no change to Fylingdales security arrangements because of the attacks.

He said: "The levels of security we have to keep here are always very high, anyway.

"At the moment there is no indication that our security will have to be altered."

Updated: 11:58 Wednesday, September 12, 2001