THE ICONIC Spitfire aeroplane flew through the Cumbrian skies yesterday afternoon to pay homage to the NHS staff who have weathered the storm of the pandemic.

The Spitfire bearing the words “thank you NHS” along with the names of NHS workers flew over the Cumberland Infirmary in Carlisle short before 4pm.

The flypast was part of a special fundraising event for NHS Charities Together.

So, for today’s nostalgia spread, we decided to go through the News & Star archives to look back on the times the Spitfire has played a role in our lives.

This iconic aeroplane has become a beloved national symbol of World War 2 and it is equally as beloved by people in Cumbria.

In the bottom left photo, the former World War Two Spitfire fighter pilot Jimmy Hartley shows off his model of the plane at his home in west Cumbria.

Likewise, back in 2014 Jonathan Hunter from Keswick had a model Spitfire.

However, he was hoping to sell his model which he believed was presented by World War Two pilot Douglas Bader.

We’ve also had our fair share of appearances from this legendary aircraft – prior to yesterday’s appearance.

Most often, they were featured in annual remembrance events.

At the third annual Veteran’s Day event at the Solway Aviation Museum, Squadron leader Ian Smith piloted a a Spitfire Mk. XIX which was used during World War Two for photo reconnaissance.

The potential engine of one of these incredible aircraft was on display at at the annual RAF Re-Union day at Haverigg RAF Museum in days gone by.

Ken Royall, from Walney, who was on a Gunner Course at Haverigg during the war, and Joe Isaac, from Millom, formerly of 822 Fleet Air Arm, chatted as they checked out the giant Rolls Royce Merlin Engine.

In 2013, two aircraft from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight flew into Carlisle Airport to refuel –including the Spitfire.

What are your memories of seeing the Spitfire?