Hull Minster marks Spitfire's 90th anniversary

A celebration of the 90th anniversary of the Spitfire is to be held outside Hull Minster later.

A replica of the MKII Spitfire will be on show in Trinity Square as part of a day of events commemorating the aircraft's first flight in March 1936.

The fighter played a pivotal role in the Battle of Britain and organisers at Hull Minster said they wanted its legacy to be "kept alive".

A 1945 MG-TC post-war car – similar to one driven by Battle of Britain pilot Douglas Bader – will also be on show, and there will be 1940s-style performances.

More than 20,000 Spitfires were built and the plane "became a symbol of British resilience" during World War Two, according to the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.

James Cameron, heritage project manager at Hull Minster, said the impact of the war was "a massive part" of the city's identity.

"That generation of people who lived through the war is only getting smaller and smaller.

"We don't want that memory to go to waste. We want to keep that memory alive and celebrate it the best way we can."

The celebrations are due to begin in front of the Minster at 10:00 GMT on Saturday, with free performances and demonstrations until 16:00.

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