IT is the Hampshire designed fighter plane that symbolised Britain’s bulldog spirit during the Second World War.

But 70 years after it marshalled the skies, the iconic roar of the Spitfire will once again ring out over Southampton, this afternoon.

Thousands will scan the sky as the famous aircraft banks three times over its spiritual home.

It will arrive in formation with a Hurricane and the UK’s only flying Lancaster bomber over Southampton Water.

The thrilling spectacle has been organised to coincide with celebrations to mark 100 years since the first ever flight in south Hampshire.

It will also mark the 70- year anniversary of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, which is carrying out the flypast.

Crowds are expected to gather on the waterfront from Weston Shore to Hamble Point as the planes roar past three times.

Organisers are expecting so many people, that they have urged them to use public transport to reach the shore-side viewing points.

The three aircraft will arrive from the north, with the best viewing points said to be along Southampton Water from Weston Shore to Royal Victoria Country Park and Hamble Point.

The flypasts, at 4.15pm, will be subject to weather conditions and visitors are being told to allow ten minutes either side of the event.

The flypast comes as the Daily Echo continues its campaign for a lasting tribute to the men and women who helped build and fly the Spitfire.

And the event, a joint venture between Hampshire County, Eastleigh Borough and Southampton City Councils, is the latest in a string of celebrations to mark the centenary of flying from the city’s airport.

Hampshire’s proud links with flying date back to 1910 when Edwin Rowland Moon sped along the fields at North Stoneham Farm in his homemade Moonbeam II aircraft before taking to the skies.

The triumphant flight – the first ever in this region – set in motion a golden era for aviation in Hampshire.

These days, thousands are employed in the industry across the county in a range of businesses from supplying materials and providing services, to specialised aeronautical engineering.

Best places to park

■ The pay and display at Royal Victoria Country Park
■ Hamble Point along School Lane in Hamble
■ Limited parking availability along Ensign Way and Westfield Common in Hamble
■ On and off road parking available all along Weston Shore
■ Public car park at New Road in Netley