NOVELIST Jane Austen, radical journalist William Cobbett, characters from Dad's Army and the pioneering spirit of aviation giants R J Mitchell and Amy Johnson will be helping Eastleigh take a step back in time this month.

Backed by the National Heritage Lottery Fund, Hampshire County Council and Eastleigh Council, a month-long festival focusing on local heritage has been organised by Hamble Valley Tourism - the branding for tourism services provided by the borough council.

About 30 events have been lined up, ranging from the hugely popular local history fair in Eastleigh to an eventful William Cobbett Festi-val weekend in Botley.

The festival, History, Heritage And The Hamble Valley, also features a Napoleonic camp, traditional music, dance and theatre plus walks, talks and workshops.

It has a strong aviation theme, celebrating the centenary of powered flight plus the borough's connections with RJ Mitchell and Amy Johnson.

Next Monday a Spitfire sculpture is due to be unveiled at the entrance to Southampton International Airport where the prototype of the famous Second World War fighter plane first took to the skies.

On the same day there will be a special matinee cinema screening of First Of The Few, a 1942 film starring David Niven and based on the story of the Spitfire, together with a cream tea and nostalgia quiz.

A full-size Spitfire will also be on display on the recreation ground next to The Point dance and arts centre for the Local History Fair on September 21.

The Real Dad's Army - a tribute group - will also be at the fair, re-enacting scenes in the spirit of the hit 1970s TV comedy series.

Botley's William Cobbett weekend will take place on September 27 and 28 and is being supported by Tim Bentinck who plays David Archer on BBC Radio Four's The Archers series.

Cobbett, who lived in Botley, described it as the most delightful village in the world. He was a farmer, one of the foremost political journalists of his time (1763-1835) and was jailed for his outspoken criticism of the way the Army treated soldiers.

The weekend aims to re-create Botley's heyday as a coaching village with a farmers' produce market and a re-enactment of an 18th century wedding.

British redcoats will set up camp at Botley Primary School to enable children and adults to take the King's shilling, join up and take part in drills.

Tim Bentinck said: "My kinsman, the third Duke of Portland, used to live at Botley Mill House and was lord of the manor. This later became William Cobbett's home between 1805 and 1817.

"Part of the festival is a revival of farmers' markets that used to be held there in Cobbett's time and I'm a great supporter of the idea of local, fresh produce."

He added: "If I can get away from Ambridge, I hope to see you there."

All events are detailed in the free History, Heritage And The Hamble Valley Festival programme, which can be requested by calling 090 6682 2001.