THE iconic Spitfire will take to the skies to celebrate its 80th anniversary as part of a special event at Southampton Airport.

The first prototype of the aircraft took off in 1936 and the flypast is designed to let enthusiasts and new fans alike get a glimpse of the plane in action.

War veteran Nathan Foster – thought to be the world’s youngest Spitfire pilot at age 28 – will attend, along with RAF Air Cadets celebrating their 75th anniversary and the team behind the new ‘Spitfire startup’ Flying with Spitfires.

The plane will fly close to the resting place of chief designer RJ Mitchell, before continuing along the Itchen River to Southampton Water.

It will then pass near to the site of the old Supermarine factory in Woolston, where many thousands of the planes were built, before flying to Portsmouth harbour and back to Southampton Airport.

Mr Foster said: “I look forward to sharing some insights of learning to fly the Spitfire with the Air Cadets as we celebrate the 80th anniversary at Southampton Airport.

“I am delighted that this event will pay respect to those that built and designed the Spitfire and feel very honoured to be taking part in the celebrations.

“Above all I look forward to seeing how this iconic design can continue to inspire the next generation.”

The event will be held at the airport on March 5 and the planes will be visible between 11am and 12pm.