Southampton's Second World War aviation marvel - the spitfire - has been officially named Britain's greatest aircraft.

The world renowned fighter plane that helped defend the country's airfields in the Battle of Britain soared above the Vulcan and Concorde in a poll of aviation fans.

Navigated by gallant RAF pilots, the Spitfire was a key instrument in defeating Hitler - and is still acclaimed around the globe today.

In the poll, run by Discovery Wings, a TV channel dedicated to aviation, the Spitfire won one in three of the 17,000 votes as Britain's Greatest Plane.

The prototype Spitfire K5054 was built in one of Supermarine workshops at Woolston in 1936.

Created by legendary aircraft designer Reginald Joseph Mitchell, more than 300 were ordered just two months after the prototype had its test flight from Eastleigh on March 5, 1936.

Mitchell died from cancer just 17 months afterwards,but he had left behind a legacy that would prove invaluable to Britain throughout the war.

When Hitler asked his air chief Goering what he needed to defeat the British, he apparently replied: "A squadron of Spitfires."

The basic design was so good that throughout the war developments and improvements could be incorporated without having to create a new aircraft.

Over the years 24 versions were made and the Spitfire doubled in weight, engine power and firepower.

Two years after the test flight, planes went into service with 19 Squadron at RAF Duxford - but it was when the threat of war became imminent that Spitfire production really took off.

Of the 22,000 planes that were produced by the end of the war, workers in Southampton were responsible for manufacturing 8,000.

When the Woolston factory was bombed in 1940, killing more than 100 people, Supermarine and the Ministry of Aviation moved production to garages, bus stations, and laundries.

Within two months, the city's production programme was back on course.

Southampton Hall of Aviation director Alan Jones said: "We certainly wouldn't be here today if it hadn't been for the Spitfires and their brave pilots."

The museum now based in Albert Road South, has housed a MK24 type aircraft - from the last batch ever made - for 30 years.

Mr Jones said: "Southampton is the proud home of what is now officially Britain's greatest aircraft and that is really something.

"The Spitfire is an immense part of the city's history and we will continue to pay tribute to it here at the museum."

SPITFIRE FACTS:

Maximum speed at 15,000ft: 355mph

Time for climb to 20,000ft: 9.5min

Service ceiling: 31,000ft

Wing span: 37ft

Length: 29ft 11in

Wing area: 242 sq ft

Weight:Structure: 2046lb Power plant: 2174lb

Load: 510lb

Engine: Rolls-Royce Merlin

At the controls of the first flight was Supermarine chief test pilot Joseph "Mutt" Summers.

Forty-seven spitfires are still in flying condition.

The main requirements for the design of the Spitfire was that it had to have have eight guns and an excellent rate of climb.

It was decided the name must begin with an 'S' as it was built by Supermarine. RJ Mitchell had previously called one of his earlier less successful planes a Spitfire and on being told it would be used for the new model said it was "a bloody silly name."