IT is 60 years since the prototype of the Gloster Meteor first took to the skies.

The aeroplane made aviation history when it flew on March 5, 1943, at Cranwell, in Lincolnshire, and then became the only Allied jet aircraft on active service during the Second World War.

The Yorkshire Air Museum, at Elvington, near York, is marking the anniversary by letting young visitors sit inside one of the aircraft during the half-term holidays.

The F.8 W168 on show at the museum entered service with the RAF in February 1954, joining 111 Squadron at North Weald, near Epping, Essex.

It later operated with 604 Squadron Royal Auxiliary Air Force, from the same airfield.

The aircraft was acquired by the museum in May 1996 and it has been painted in the colours of 616 squadron, with which the first Meteors flew.

A museum spokesman said: "We are sure that our young visitors will enjoy this rare opportunity to get a closer look at this significant British aircraft.

"Because of the aircraft's age, the Meteor cockpit is not one that has been opened for this purpose before."

Children aged 15 and below, and accompanied by a parent or guardian, will be allowed into the cockpit from Saturday to Monday, February 24.

Admission to the museum, which includes entry to the Meteor cockpit, costs £4 for adults and £3 for children and senior citizens.

The museum is open from 10am to 3.30pm.