IN THE many years Elvington Airfield, near York, has been in existence, it has touched the lives of thousands of people from the local, national and international communities.

From pilots who flew there during the Second World War, to the people of Elvington village who happily live alongside the facility and the annual spectacular that is the Great Yorkshire Air Show, there must be countless stories to tell.

Now, the Evening Press wants to hear them.

We have teamed up with the company behind the air show's corporate hospitality - Manorborn UK - to offer two readers the chance to enjoy free VIP treatment at the August Bank Holiday event

All you have to do is send us your stories about the airfield - the more weird and wonderful the better - and the best will win the VIP tickets.

A selection of others will be put into a round-up and printed in the Evening Press at a later date.

Spokesman for Manorborn, Stuart Pickering, said: "People have been involved with the airfield in so many different ways.

"For example, it was the only UK airfield to have been run by the Free French. Perhaps you worked there during that time, perhaps you were a local girl who married a Frenchman and lived happily ever after, maybe you flew an important mission from there, or you might have even crashed there.

"Whatever it is we want to hear the stories. They don't have to be serious. We would love to hear humorous tales involving the airfield, of which I am sure there are many."

Air show event director Ken Cothliff encouraged Evening Press readers to get involved.

He said: "Obviously the stories can be about anything airfield related. But as I have been involved with the air show for a long time, most of my stories are to do with the event.

"I remember when a helicopter landed during the show to pick up an ex-bomber pilot who was looking quite shaky. There was a problem with its luggage locker, and while this was being fixed the old man jumped in and started flying it in a crazy way.

"It was a set-up, but the crowd didn't know this and they loved it.

"I'm sure there are many more stories that are just as good, and better, than that, so I would encourage Evening Press readers to get writing."

All tales should be sent to the Evening Press newsdesk, 76 - 86 Walmgate, York, Y01 9YN, by Friday, July 20.

Usual competition rules apply and the editor's decision is final.