The search is still on for a helicopter which lurched out of control over Ilkley last weekend and hasn't been seen since.

But readers shouldn't panic - the aircraft in question was a 3ft long radio-controlled model being flown by Ilkley sales co-ordinator Richard Harrison and a neighbour.

Last Saturday afternoon was only the second time Mr Harrison had flown his state-of-the-art Raptor 30 helicopter, which has a top speed of 40mph and can travel for up to five miles. But at around 4.30pm, standing in riverside playing fields near Middleton Avenue, the 49-year-old was horror stricken to lose radio contact with his treasured machine and watch it start to plummet towards the ground.

He said: "My next door neighbour was flying it at the time and the battery was shaken off it so we lost radio control. It came down almost to the ground and we thought it was sure to crash, but then it turned and flew off past the cricket field.

"It was last seen by someone in the clubhouse at Ilkley Golf Club as it passed overhead in the direction of Addingham. This model has quite a long range so it could have got as far as Bolton Bridge!"

Since the dramatic disappearance Mr Harrison, who fulfilled a long-held dream of building his own model helicopter from a kit last year, has pulled out the stops to try to find it. Immediately after the incident he tried to follow his wayward creation by car, while his neighbour pursued on foot.

The following morning, starting at 7am, he carried out a five and a half hour search of the fields and woods surrounding the golf course. He has since travelled to Addingham, posted up around 50 notices on lampposts and walkways, and contacted Ilkley Police to see if they have had anything handed in - but all to no avail. Mr Harrison is now appealing to anyone who might have seen the crashed helicopter to get in touch. He said: "With it being lambing season a lot of farmers are out and about in their fields at the moment, and I have talked to quite a few of them, and to some gamekeepers.

"The helicopter is insured but I am very keen to get it back. If anyone does find it and is thinking of trying to get it flying again I would urge them not to, because it will be quite badly damaged."

Anyone who may have seen it can call him on 01943 430287.