Historic Spitfire plane spotted over skies of the North East

The aircraft, G-ILDA, is a restored Supermarine Spitfire with the military serial number SM520 and was photographed by several enthusiasts as it flew over the region, before landing back at Teesside International Airport.

The Spitfire in the air above the North East (Image: Mike Kilo Bravo/CAMERA CLUB)

The Spitfire over the North East (Image: Mike Kilo Bravo/CAMERA CLUB)

Over the last few days, the Spitfire has been spotted over the region’s skies, and is believed to be using Teesside Airport as a base.

Members of the Northern Echo Camera Club were among those to capture the distinctive aircraft, with pictures shared by Jon Irwin and Mike Kilo Bravo prompting excitement from people who were surprised to see the famous fighter overhead.

The Spitfire over the North East (Image: JON IRWIN/CAMERA CLUB)

The Spitfire over the North East (Image: Mike Kilo Bravo/CAMERA CLUB)

SM520 dates back to 1944 and was built at the Castle Bromwich Aircraft Factory during the final stages of the Second World War.

Records show it was delivered to the RAF in November that year before later being transferred to the South African Air Force in 1948.

The Spitfire in the air above the North East (Image: Mike Kilo Bravo/CAMERA CLUB)

The Spitfire over the North East (Image: Mike Kilo Bravo/CAMERA CLUB)

The aircraft has since been restored and converted into a two-seat Spitfire, allowing it to be used for passenger flight experiences. It now flies under the civilian registration G-ILDA.

Its appearance over the North East was particularly fitting given the region’s long association with wartime planes.

Teesside International Airport began life as RAF Middleton St George during the Second World War and has retained links to its military past through commemorative events and appearances by historic aircraft.

Despite the Spitfire becoming more and more rare, flight paths for the iconic plane remain, with events celebrating the 80th and 90th years of the Spitfire having seen Spitfires flying over the North East over the last few decades.