Thousands braved the dull Bank Holiday weather to attend the final day of the Elvington Air Spectacular.

Stunt rider Jason Smith and his flying motorcycle, at the Elvington Air Spectacular, with a Fokker triplane in the foreground.

Organiser Dave Tappin described the Evening Press-sponsored event, the last remaining air show in Yorkshire, as his "finest hour".

Following the success of the Red Arrows the day before, the highlight on the final day was the wingwalking, in particular the daredevil acrobatics of BBC TV Look North presenter Clare Frisby.

Monday was quieter than Sunday in terms of the crowds, but not in terms of volume.

The hovering Harrier jump jet, with its deafening roar, was a marvel to watch.

The assembled crowds watched agog as the fighter plane ground to a mid-air halt, before bowing to the audience and then spiralling up into the cloudy sky.

Swiftly followed by a steep descent and landing, this was a real highlight - even if it did leave children and small dogs cowering.

Following the noise theme, the dramatic flypasts of the Jaguars and Tornados also kept the crowd interested as did the pyrotechnic display that accompanied a roaring jet.

Pilots were on hand to sign autographs and dispense souvenirs to the young fans and the Utterly Butterly Aerobabes, having just completed another daring wingwalking display, also mingled freely with the excitable crowd.

When not viewing the multitude of aircraft from all eras, visitors were kept amused by the vintage car displays, helicopter rides, information stands and the mobile beer tent.

The organisers were very content with the running of the event although escalating costs, such as £29,000 for jet fuel, and the proposed sale of the Elvington site, may affect next year's event.

"We really need a corporate sponsor," said Mr Tappin. "The show is getting so big, we need a cash backer or myself and the other organisers could find ourselves individually out of pocket."

Another shadow hangs over next year's event in the form of the sale of the airfield.

John Edmonds, for the Yorkshire Air Museum trustees, who are among those shortlisted as potential buyers, said: "If the site does not go to a sympathetic buyer the future of the show is in doubt."

A decision on the sale of the second world war airfield, for which the Ministry of Defence has shortlisted eight potential purchasers, is expected in the next four to six weeks.

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