A FLY-PAST of legendary aircraft from the Second World War, including the Southampton-built Spitfire, is set to form the centrepiece of the city's commemorations of VE Day, the Daily Echo can reveal.

The Spitfire - which defended British skies against the German Luftwaffe during the Battle of Britain - will take part in a spectacular display over Southampton Water on May 8.

The aircraft will be joined by other members of the RAF Battle of Britain Historic Flight to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the end of the war in Europe.

Other vintage Allied aircraft will perform a series of breathtaking speed solo passes. This will be followed by a rare appearance by the B17G Boeing Flying Fortress "Sally B", which starred in David Puttnam's film The Memphis Belle and is the official flying monument to the 79,000 Allied aircrew lost in the war.

Major events planned for the day begin at noon when the Rector of Southampton city centre parish, the Rev Ian Johnson, will lead an open air service in front of the Civic Centre.

Many veterans are expected to take part, along with service personnel from Southampton's very own adopted warship, HMS Southampton, as well as the Marchwood-based 17th Port and Maritime Regiment and other military units.

Mr Johnson said: "We have designed an act of worship which recognises both celebration and the desire for reconciliation where it is needed, while also trying to build on the sacrifice of the millions of people who gave their lives in the Second World War."

At about 1pm, veterans, armed forces personnel and cadets, led by the executive officer of HMS Southampton, will have an opportunity to march through the city centre.

The route will take the march from the Civic Centre, past the Bargate and down the length of the High Street, before turning right along Town Quay and into Mayflower Park.

The salute will be taken near the top of Above Bar in front of Palmerston Park by the Lord Lieutenant of Hampshire Mary Fagan, city mayor Councillor Dennis Harryman and the commanding officers of HMS Southampton and 17 Port and Maritime Regiment.

Veterans' organisations marching include the Merchant Navy Association, the Royal Hampshire Regiment Comrades' Association, the Parachute Regimental Association, the Normandy Veterans' Association, the Royal British Legion and the Polish Combatants' Association. The march will be followed by a parade of 1940s military and civilian vehicles.

Military exhibits at Mayflower Park will include two wartime powerboats and an anti-aircraft gun from Solent Sky museum, as well as many other vehicles. There will also be live entertainment between noon and 5pm.

The park will be the best vantage point for the aircraft displays, which begin at 2.30pm.

For more information call 023 8083 3333.

The Year Of Victory, a 16-page supplement recalling 1945 is free with the Daily Echo on Tuesday, May 3.