NORTH Yorkshire's rocket men have set a date for their first attempt at nationwide fame.

Jago Packer and Alan Bullock, the bright sparks behind the White Rose 2000 project to produce a rocket built to break the sound barrier, will launch a test flight next month.

The pair, who are both from York, have developed a special type of fuel and motor which they hope will combine to produce spectacular effects in the air and fend off competition from the likes of Manchester's Steve Bennett, who has had some high profile successes.

A 10ft version of the 16ft White Rose 2000 rocket will be launched from a secret location in the Yorkshire Wolds on June 12 or 13.

Mr Packer and Mr Bullock hope it will reach between 5,000ft and 6,000ft, which they say would prove the fuel and motor to be effective and pave the way for the launch of the full-sized version later this summer.

The rocket motor has been built free of charge by Minster Engineering and the body work has been put together by Pocklington Coachworks, also free of charge.

The Yorkshire Air Museum has been providing the rocket team with a free workshop in which to make final adjustments.

But the project will not be able to take the next step without insurance and that is what Mr Packer and Mr Bullock are appealing for.

"We are looking for a local company to help us and we will put their name on the side of the rocket in return," said Mr Packer.

"We think we need insurance of between £1,500 and £2,000 to cover the launch and we also need someone to transport all the equipment up there."

If you can help with either of these things contact Rebecca Gilbert at the Evening Press on York 653051.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.