Spitfire memorial flight soars over South West
BBCA Spitfire taking part in a nationwide memorial flight marking the plane's 90th anniversary has been flying over south-west England.
Organised by the Royal Air Force, the commemorative flights between 7 and 17 April are visiting RAF stations and airports associated with the Spitfire's history.
Spitfire pilot Matt Jones, from Gittisham, in Devon, took off from RAF St Mawgan in Cornwall at 17:30 heading to Exeter Airport.
Acting commander and executive officer for RAF St Mawgan squadron leader Rob Farrant said the arrival of the Spitfire in Cornwall was a "truly special moment" and a powerful reminder of the region's "deep-rooted aviation heritage".
He said: "We were delighted to see this iconic aircraft flying once again in the skies of the South West."
Ahead of the flight Jones said having the opportunity to be part of the memorial and to fly the aircraft over his home in Devon was "extremely special".
Landing at Exeter Airport at 17:45, Jones said the Spitfire was an "exquisite machine to fly" and described Devon as being his "backyard".
"I think I saw my house on the way into land," Jones said.
"I've done the Torquay Air Show a couple of times and it always makes me proud bringing the Spitfire here, but on this particular event, taking this aeroplane around the country to commemorate the 90th anniversary of the first flight, working with the RAF, raising money for charity, I'm extremely proud to be back in my home county having come back from Cornwall- a county I love also."
His family were stood at the gate watching as he landed, which he said was an "extremely proud moment".
The plane, which played a key role in the RAF's victory in the Battle of Britain, was based at airbases across the UK during World War Two.
'Very special aeroplane'
Jones said the Spitfire was an "icon that stands for Britain at its best" and "the most beautiful aeroplane to look at and to listen to".
"Then you remember it's 90 years old and it defended our country and all the other history that goes with that. It really is a very, very special aeroplane," he said.
"Any flight over Devon in a Spitfire is particularly special to me and being able to bring this aeroplane on this tour and that the last leg of it, the climax of the tour coming from Exeter - I'll be flying over my house as we leave, is extremely, extremely special to me."
He said having any involvement with the aircraft was a "great honour" and working with the Royal Air Force on the memorial flight had been an "astonishing experience".
Royal Air ForceThe RAF said despite best-laid plans, the "unpredictable weather" required adjustments to the flying programme, resulting in the flight taking place on Thursday rather than on Wednesday.
Among those fortunate enough to witness the Spitfire on the ground was BAFTA award-winning actor Warwick Davis who said for him, it was the sound of the engine that "evoked emotion", adding it was "really iconic".