AN Air force squadron has taken to the skies again - half a century after it was grounded.

Originally formed in 1916 as part of the Royal Flying Corps, 76 Squadron flew from RAF Linton-on-Ouse, near York.

During the Second World War, it flew Halifax bombers from the base in North Yorkshire.

Shortly after the end of hostilities, the squadron was disbanded and faded into history.

But now, almost half a century later, 76 Squadron has been reborn and is flying again from Linton-on-Ouse.

The decision was taken when the RAF decided to name several of its training squadrons after disbanded units. And this week, the Tucano Air Navigation Squadron took over the mantle of 76 Squadron.

The unit was based at nearby RAF Topcliffe until 2003, but now flies from Linton-on-Ouse.

Squadron *eader Stu Hatzel, 76 Squadron commanding officer, said: "Current members will now be able to interact with former members, learning directly about tradition, heritage and ethos."

The bomber base has also marked its 70th anniversary with a service to honour its war dead.

The base opened on May 13 1937, and within months was the headquarters of number four bomber group.

At the time, the officer in charge was Air Commodore Arthur Harris - later to be known as Bomber Harris.

When war broke out in 1939, planes flew from the base to drop propaganda leaflets on Germany.

But by 1940, bombers from Linton-on-Ouse were flying on regular raids over Nazi Europe. Among its pilots was the Second World War hero and winner of the Victoria Cross, Leonard Cheshire.

Today, the base is used to train all the fast-jet pilots and navigators for the RAF and Royal Navy.