COME fly with me - a nostalgic flight of fancy with the sights and sounds of the Forties is taking off at a former wartime air base to help charities - including our Hospice 2000 Appeal.

The most memorable music of the era will echo round the event at the Yorkshire Air Museum at Elvington Airfield, which is due to bring in cash for the Alne Hall Cheshire Home, the British Red Cross (York Centre), local Elvington charities - and the St Leonard's Hospice Millennium Appeal.

The 1940s-themed evening on Saturday, August 26, will be set against the museum's spectacular backdrop, with the mighty Halifax bomber and other historic aircraft providing all the authenticity one could possibly need.

And the music will come from the Squadronaires Orchestra, described by air museum publicity officer Ian Richardson as "widely regarded as the best swing band in Europe".

And the museum's main hangar is the venue for what the Squadronaires call "the most authentic recreation of a wartime hangar we have seen".

Getting into the swing before the event were Ian, dressed in period RAF uniform, and Rachel Semlyen of St Leonard's, who is also the air museum's founding chairman.

Group Captain Leonard Cheshire was the first patron of the museum, and so it was an obvious choice for his foundation to approach it when it was looking for fundraising ideas and a venue.

Ian Temple, of the British Red Cross, thanked the museum for its support, saying it would help to deliver its services, including transport and escort, and wheelchair loan.

Janet Morley, fundraising manager for St Leonard's, said: "The venue and the music will bring back so many memories for guests on the night and we all hope that lots of people will come along and join in the fun.

"What a wonderful way for supporters of the Yorkshire Air Museum and the charities to celebrate the Millennium."

Tickets for the Millennium Charity Hangar Ball are just £10 each and are available from the 01904 608719.