A famous wartime aircraft is to make one of its final passenger flights from Leeds-Bradford Airport.

The iconic Dakota plane flies into the airport as part of a national farewell tour - and readers of the Telegraph & Argus are being invited on board.

Built in 1944 and fitted with twin Pratt and Whitney propellor engines, the C-47 Dakota was produced by the Douglas company in the United States as a transport aircraft.

Also known as the Skytrain or Gooneybird, it was central to the success of the Allies' war effort and later to the Berlin Airlift in 1949.

But changes to European regulations mean its days as a passenger carrier are almost up.

The last of the UK's Dakota fleet will take off from the Yeadon airport on Friday, July 11.

It will be airborne for a minimum of 20 minutes and will fly low over the local area and sights of interest.

A spokesman for the airport said: "Leeds Bradford Airport is delighted to have the chance to say a very fond farewell to such a historic aircraft.

"The airport shares a long history of aviation with the Dakota aircraft and this will be a great opportunity for enthusiasts and historians in the region to say goodbye."

The flight is organised by Omega Holidays plc and costs £99 per person.

To book through the Telegraph & Argus, call 0844 4774264 charged at the local rate, quoting BAD.