RAF cadet 14-year-old Angela Twist from RAF Cosford, holding an Airfix model Spitfire with the lifesize Airfix Spitfire behind, during the Spitfix event

Hundreds of plane enthusiasts from across Shropshire were flying high today after smashing a Guinness world record. More than 400 people packed out RAF Cosford on Saturday.

They were taking part in a Spitfix event, attem-pting to make the most model Spitfires in the one place, at the one time.

Arthur Ward, organiser and managing director of Collecting Friends, said the previous record of 250 model aircraft was smashed with a total of more than 350 Spitfires built.

He said the old record was set in RAF Hendon last December, but families from across Shropshire proved to be a model above the rest.

“We certainly broke the world record, which we are delighted about,” said Mr Ward. “It was a fantastic event and an absolute joy to see so many families.

“We were expecting a lot of father and sons but it was wonderful to see so many mothers and daughters take part.”

Saturday’s event also saw some high flying guests arrive in the county, including World War Two Spitfire Wing Commander Peter Ayerst DFC, the only survivor of the Battle of Britain to fly every make of Spitfire.

Organiser Adeel Belorf said crowds continued to spill into the event after it opened its doors just after 10am.

“It was amazing,” said Mr Belorf. “The support from families was great so we could not have wished for anything better.

“Some people built two models because they enjoyed it so much.

“People kept asking when the next event will be, which shows there is a lot of interest in it.”

Mr Belorf added another record-breaking attempt could be made as early as next summer.