Iconic Spitfire takes to Shropshire skies

The iconic Spitfire flew over Shropshire as part of the 10th anniversary celebrations of a specialist aircraft conservation scheme.

The spectacular flypast from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Spitfire took place at RAF Cosford yesterday to mark the anniversary of The Michael Beetham Conservation Centre at the Royal Air Force Museum.

It is a centre of excellence for aircraft restoration, and over the past decade a team of skilled technicians and apprentices has conserved many of the world's most historic and rarest aircraft.

An open day was held on Sunday and the flypast was the highlight of the day, organisers said. The Spitfire flew over at 1.40pm, thrilling the hundreds of people watching.

Tim Wallis, RAF Museum Conservation Centre manager, said the event was enjoyed by everybody.

He said: "Seeing the flypast by the Spitfire at 1.40pm really made the day end on such a high note."

Among the restoration projects on show at the open day yesterday were the Vickers Wellington and the Handley Page Hampden.