Spitfire flight set for take off over region

A rescheduled Spitfire flight over the North East to lift people’s spirits and thank the NHS is due to happen today.

The blue Mark 11 aircraft, wh i c h h a s th e m e s s a ge Thank U NHS written on the underside of its wings, is set to be seen in the skies over Wearside, County D u rh a m , Te e s - side, Tyneside and Northumberland.

It had been due to fly over the region on Wednesday, September 16, but had to be cancelled due to poor weather conditions.

F l i g ht s o f th e S e c o n d World War aeroplane have been organised across the country by the Aircraft Restoration Company based at Duxford Airfield.

As well as cheering peop l e up, i t i s a l s o ra i s i n g money for NHS Charities Togeth e r f ro m th e pub - lic making a donation for someone’s name to be written on the plane.

Organisers say it is a way of recognising small acts of kindness throughout the COVID-19 pandemic from a family member to a kind neighbour, close friend or community hero. The Spitfire has space for 80,000 names.

The Aircraft Restoration Company stated: “The aim is to lift the spirits of those across the UK, many of whom are still living in some form of isolation, whilst also thanking the hospitals, communities and individuals who have been at the forefront of getting the country through the pandemic.”

The flight schedule for the North East includes: 1.58pm –Sunderland Children’s Hospital; 2pm – Sund e rl a n d R oya l H o s p i t a l ; 2.03pm – South Tyneside District Hospital.