Be a virtual jet pilot as RAF offers experience money can’t buy

• More details on the auction and winning bids so far...

A thrilling Tucano simulator flight for two at RAF Linton-on-Ouse near York is one of two amazing money-can’t-buy military experiences on offer this week.

Used by RAF pilots in their training and set up just like a Tucano cockpit, the experience is as close as a civilian can hope to get to the real deal.

Flight lieutenant David Williams said: “The highest bidder will have a choice of where they want to go, from the Lake District to the Humber Bridge – all over the place, really – and they’ll get to try their hand at landing.

“It is like flying a real aircraft. The screen moves and they do feel like they are flying. It is very realistic.”

The highest bidder and a guest can also visit the base’s museum.

RAF Linton-on-Ouse hosted a visit by young carers from the Barnardo’s Willow service in August and Flt Lt Williams said the station was pleased to be able to help young carers again.

“It is a really good cause that we are happy to support,” he said.

A guided tour of RAF Leeming is also on offer through the sealed bid auction.

The highest bidder and a guest will enjoy a visit to four sections of the North Yorkshire base, home to No 100 Squadron and its fleet of Hawk aircraft, among other units.

The day includes a visit to the station museum, as well as lunch in the Officers’ Mess.

Engagement officer Tim Reid said past visitors had always been very impressed with the tours, whatever their background.

“Even people who have absolutely no aviation knowledge find the visits very interesting and informative,” he said.

“Those that are aviation enthusiasts get a lot of enjoyment out of it because they get to see things they wouldn’t normally get to see.”

The base is the only UK RAF station to also have a full time Army squadron, with No 10 Royal Engineers Field Squadron, based there. Visits to both bases are to be taken during 2013.

A pair of weekend tickets to next summer’s Leeds Festival at Bramham Park near Wetherby is the final item up for grabs.

With an impressive line-up every year, the 2013 bill already boasts US rapper Eminem as a main stage headliner.

And it has been announced that Mercury Prize winners Alt J, who met at Leeds University, will be one of the closing acts in the NME/Radio One tent.

The event has often sold out within hours of tickets being released.

To be in with a chance of getting your hands on one of these fantastic lots, email your bid to: [email protected] (with young carers appeal in the subject field); or post to: YP Editor, Young Carers Appeal, No. 1 Leeds, 26 Whitehall Road, Leeds, LS12 1BE.

Bids must be sent to us by 5pm on Friday, December 21 and must clearly state which item it is for.

• More details on the auction and winning bids so far...