IT seems to have been talked about for years but last night plans for a giant statue in Southampton to celebrate the iconic Spitfire were backed by councillors.

The decision finally clears the way for takeoff for the monument, which will be built on the city’s waterfront in Mayflower Park.

Now the hard work really starts for those behind the tribute to the fighter aircraft that did so much to help win the Battle of Britain and halt Hitler’s ambitions to invade our islands.

They need to raise the not insignificant sum of £3.5million to make the dream become reality.

Cllr John Hannides and his colleagues deserve the best wishes and support of everyone in the city to ensure this project goes ahead.

It is high time that Southampton’s link with the Spitfire was given greater public recognition.

This statue will be a monument not only to the aircraft itself and the genius of designer R J Mitchell, but also the hundreds of brave men and women who made it at the Supermarine factory in Woolston.

The statue, which depicts the soaring majesty of a Spitfire in flight over the city, will be a fitting tribute to them too.