A commemorative flight took place over Southampton on Saturday, 5 March to mark 75 years since the Spitfire's first test flight.

Southampton is considered the birthplace of the combat aircraft which was designed by resident, RJ Mitchell.

The Grace Spitfire flew the tribute and was piloted by Carolyn Grace, thought to be the world's only female Spitfire pilot.

Mrs Grace began learning to fly her husband's plane after he was killed in a car accident in 1988, aged 52.

Thousands lined the flypast route along Southampton Water to watch the World War II aircraft.

More than 22,500 Spitfires were manufactured at the Supermarine works beside the River Itchen in Southampton.

The plane's designer RJ Mitchell, who died of cancer in 1937, never saw the crucial role his plane would play in the war.

The Grace Spitfire is thought to be just one of two, two-seater Spitfires that are airworthy in the UK.

All eyes were skywards to see the 425mph historic combat plane's flypast along Southampton Water.