An historic aircraft which delivered essential goods to British troops occupying parts of post-World War Two Berlin will be flying into Leeds-Bradford International Airport to mark the 60th anniversary of the D-day landings.

The Dakota DC3, the only one in Europe with its original passenger seats, will be taking civic dignitaries from across the region on a special short flight across Bradford and its surrounding countryside.

The visit is part of the diamond jubilee anniversary of the D-Day landings in Normandy on June 6, 1944, which led to the end of World War Two.

The 1940s plane will also be jetting off to join the first vintage air race from England to Ireland which will feature a vast range of classic aircraft.

Organiser Jeff Brownhut, of Bramhope, near Otley, said the visit on June 5, was a fitting way to mark the anniversary and was a coup for the airport.

"The DC3 was used to fly essential goods, such as food, coal and water to the troops in Berlin because the Russians had blocked all the access roads," said Mr Brownhut.

"The one coming to the airport still has its seats but guests will be able to imagine what the aircraft was like when it was part of the Berlin Air-lift Skytrain."

Heather Cawthorne, manager at Multiflight executive handling company, based at the airport, said they were pleased to accommodate and support the event. She said: "We are aware of the popularity of this type of aircraft and the significance of D-Day."

"This is a particularly busy time of year and, coupled with the security aspect, we would encourage people to try to view the DC3 in flight from afar."

People wanting to catch a glimpse of the aircraft were also asked not to park at the airport.

After the flight the DC3 will join other aircraft taking off from Breighton Air Museum near Selby, for the air race to Portrush in Ireland.

They will include the original Bucker Jungmann bi-plane which was built by Hitler's aircraft designers as a showpiece for the 1936 Olympic Games.