A TASTE of life behind the wheel of a fire engine was on offer to the North Yorkshire patron of a cancer charity yesterday.

Lady Crathorne was in the driving seat of the appliance at Northallerton fire station to launch the second Ladies' Driving Challenge next month.

The event, which takes place at RAF Linton-on-Ouse, near York, on May 11 and 12, raises thousands of pounds for Marie Curie Cancer Care.

It offers women the chance to drive vehicles from fields that are normally male-dominated. Along with engines from North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service, other vehicles on offer include buses, tractors, police cars, heavy goods vehicles and Army trucks.

Lady Crathorne, the charity's patron for North Yorkshire, took part in last year's challenge by driving a JCB. "It was a wonderful feeling," she said.

"I think the Ladies' Driving Challenge is the most wonderful idea for fundraising, and it gives a lot of people who would not otherwise have the chance to do this a lot of pleasure."

Participants must pay a £5 registration fee and raise sponsorship in aid of local Marie Curie Nurses. For further details, contact Marie Curie on (01904) 621000.