TYKES are being asked to name their man or woman of the county as Yorkshire folk celebrate Yorkshire Day today.

Pop Idol Gareth Gates, from Bradford, or legendary outlaw Robin Hood - believed to have been born in Wakefield and died at Kirklees Priory, Cooper Bridge - are being suggested as symbolic figures for the county.

William Wilberforce, the Hull- born MP who fought for the abolition of slavery, St Wilfred, who brought Christianity to the North, or the first English Christian poet, Caedmon, who was a monk at Whitby, are also being suggested by the co-ordinators of the Yorkshire Day celebrations.

"There could be a patron saint for the region, but we ideally should consider a figure who could be more inclusive of all of Yorkshire's communities," said a spokesman from the Yorkshire Day Information Office.

"We're interested whether people think it is a good or bad idea, and, if so, what person or character would be suitable."

Anyone who wants to propose a suitable symbol or historical figure should phone the Yorkshire Day Information Office on 01924 363222.

* People will be making paper planes today and flying them to raise money for the Yorkshire Air Ambulance.

The county-wide Great Yorkshire Flyathon Challenge has been

inspired by Hull-born Amy Johnson, who in 1930, aged 26, became the first woman to fly solo to Australia.

And Halifax was today hosting the Yorkshire Society's official celebrations. Kirklees Mayor Clr Barbara Allonby was joining guests at a town centre parade led by the King's Division, Waterloo Band, representing the Duke of Wellington's Regiment, and a service at Halifax Parish Church.

Traditional Yorkshire havercakes, an oatmeal bread, were being handed out in the town's Piece Hall and at 7pm the band was giving a free concert.