FIFTY youngsters have visited an RAF base as part of a project to reduce anti-social behaviour.

The group, aged eight to 19 was given a tour of RAF Linton on Ouse, near York, and took turns in the base's flight simulator.

They also spent time learning about the Second World War and the 2,009 RAF and Canadian airmen who lost their lives on missions out of the base.

The youngsters were from York-based mentoring project Network 2. They visited Linton as part of the Youth Justice Board's Positive Activities for Young People (PAYP) scheme.

The project is targeted at young people not fully engaged in education and aims to reduce crime, truancy and anti-social behaviour.

Annie Scott, who runs the scheme for Network 2, said: "The PAYP programme runs across England and focuses on areas where young people at risk of offending and disaffection live.

"We want to say a big thanks to Linton from all the team at Network 2 for making our groups feel so welcome.

"They all got a great deal out of the experience and some want to come back already."