A SERVICE to mark the Battle Of Britain, a village festival and a dance festival were some of the events to take place in and around York over the weekend.

On Sunday, the North Yorkshire Royal Air Force Association held its Battle of Britain Memorial Service at RAF Linton-on-Ouse.

Led by an Air Cadet band from 110 (City of York) Squadron, veterans marched with the Sovereigns Colour and Standards of 609 Reserve Squadron and The Royal Observer Corps to take up their post.

Group Captain Andy Sudlow, the station commander, took the march-past salute in honour of those who lost their lives in the conflict, and Linton's chaplain, the Rev Squadron Leader John Hetherington, conducted the memorial service before a Lancaster bomber flew over.

Richard Emly, a Signals Corps veteran, said: "It is great to see so many of the younger generation here. They are the future and will look after us as we have done them in the years to come."

Organiser John Allison said: "It was a splendid sight to see our members marching with such pride."

Meanwhile, soldiers, cadets and veterans exercised their Freedom of the City in York by marching through the streets on Saturday with bayonets fixed, swords drawn and drums beating.

The display of military splendour featured 2 Signal Regiment, the Royal Dragoon Guards, the Yorkshire Detachment of B Company Army Cadet Force (ACF) and the Prince of Wales's Own Regiment of Yorkshire.

That evening, charity supporters threw themselves into a summer charity ball at the Monk Bar Hotel in York. Organiser Matthew Ascough said: "It went extremely well. We raised over £500 for Children in Need."

Hankies and bells were out in force as York came alive to the sounds of the Festival Of Traditional Dance.

The colourful occasion brought dancers from across the country to do battle in King's Square, St Sampson's Square and Parliament Street. Numerous teams including the Ebor Morris and Minster Strays from York performed a range of Morris styles, with the entertainment spilling into Sunday.

Fangfest 2005 - the festival of practical arts in Fangfoss near Pocklington - attracted some 2,500 visitors with craft demonstrations, workshop tours, a flower show, archery and clay pigeon shooting.

Now in its seventh year, the festival, over Saturday and Sunday, also included a miniature train ride, totem drummers, and vintage car display, while the Rocking Horse Shop had a craft and demonstration marquee.

Shop manager Jane Cook said: "It was fantastic - we had more than 2,500 people visiting."

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Updated: 11:06 Tuesday, September 06, 2005