BOTH sides today claimed victory in a battle for the skies above York.

The organisers of two major aerial events both reported business booming as they went head to head at airfields nine miles apart. The sun shone and crowds turned out for both the Great Yorkshire Airshow, at Elvington, and the Yorkshire Air Spectacular, at Rufforth.

The show at Elvington airfield, organised in conjunction with the site's new owners, Elvington Park Ltd, saw thousands of visitors turn out yesterday for a packed programme of aerobatic displays from jets and propeller-driven aircraft, with the world famous Red Arrows topping the bill with their single visit yesterday.

And at Rufforth airfield, where the Yorkshire Air Spectacular made its debut this weekend with flying displays from a vast array of giant model craft, organisers were expecting crowd numbers to beat their initial estimate of 5,000.

Last year, one main event, The Elvington Air Spectacular, featured real aircraft and their giant model cousins until a split between the event's organisers brought it to an end.

While the Rufforth event might not have had the roar of jets splitting the skies, the crowds were treated to skilful displays by the owners of the painstakingly-built giant models for half the price of Elvington's £12 adult entry fee.

As well as witnessing the madcap stunts of the Motorcycle Maniacs, a host of stalls and side-shows also featured.

Organiser Dave Tappin said: "It's been absolutely swinging and I'm really pleased with how its going.

"The numbers are more than we expected, but then you should never underestimate the pull of these model aircraft."

PICTURE: AIR ATTACK: The Red Arrows display team sweeps over the

countryside near Elvington

Picture: Paul Baker