THE RAF has been doing its bit to break down cultural barriers.

The training base at Linton-on-Ouse was the venue for a visit by 40 Sikh children and six elders from Bradford's Guru Gobind Temple.

The event formed part of the station's contribution to the national black awareness month. Guests were also joined by children from Pontefract Sports and Social Club.

The event was a larger scale version of the regular visits conducted for young people at Linton, which are designed to break down perceived cultural barriers.

During their stay, the youngsters took part in team building sessions, visits to the maintenance hangars and fire section. But the highlight came when they were given the chance to sit in one of the base's Tucano aircraft and a flight simulator.

A scripture reading session was held in the base's church, which was followed by a cross-faith discussion, chaired by an inter-faith teacher from Bradford.

Guru Gobind Temple leader Harnek Bhuller Singh said: "We really appreciate Linton's hospitality. Communities need to build bridges and we now have in place a good link between Bradford Asians and RAF Linton.