Spitfire to fly over Goostrey today

If you’re in the Goostrey area today lookout for an original Supermarine Spitfire.

Marking the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings, a World War II Spitfire is scheduled to take to the skies over Cheshire.

The Mark IV Spitfire will fly over Goostrey today (Saturday, 8th June) after the organisers managed to raise £7,800 to book the aircraft.

There were fears the flight would not take place after the death of the pilot from the RAF Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, since grounded following the tragic accident.

Happily, organisers have been assured the flight will take place as scheduled.

During its flight it will pass over Butt Lane, Kidsgrove, near Stoke-on-Trent, which was the birthplace of the designer, Reginald Mitchell, in 1895.

The display by the fighter is timed for around 2 pm – visitors should bear in mind the Women’s Cycling Tour of Britain will pass through Goostrey, but roads should be clear by mid-day.

Paddy Fagan, a parish councillor who organised the D-Day Commemoration, said: “The event including the Spitfire display has been fully funded by very generous individual donations and from three parish councils and companies.

“We decided on booking the Spitfire display as part of our exhibition and attractions on D-Day plus two to help raise awareness of the 80th anniversary.

“It has created a lot of interest but I keep getting people saying it will not take place but I can assure everyone it will happen weather permitting, of course.

“It is owned by a private company who have a number of Spitfires you can book for special events or even fly in one. They are not affected by the grounding of the RAF Memorial Flight.”

The D-Day event in the Scout and Youth Centre opens at noon with the flight scheduled for around 2 pm.

Main Road closes for a brief spell in the morning for the women’s cycling tour but it will open by 12.15 pm

Any donations and profits from sales at the event, including refreshments, will be donated to the Royal British Legion.