A Spitfire plane has flown over Watford with a message of thanks to NHS workers.
People in the town were treated to the fly-past this afternoon (Saturday), with the plane having flown over the borough and Watford General Hospital as part of its route around the UK.
Video footage shows the moment the Spitfire - which carried a bold 'Thank U NHS' message and names of key workers and everyday samaritans handwritten on its body - flew towards the hospital around 4.30pm before landing at Duxford Airfield.
The Spitfire heading towards Watford General Hospital (Video Andrea Mary Lynn_
Footage on twitter also shows the plane having flown over some people’s houses across Watford today.
#NHSSpitfire going over #Watford hospital. Great view from my garden pic.twitter.com/tz4R3Jb2iP
— sarah (@sarah_SLF) August 1, 2020
#Spitfire over Watford #ThankYouNHS 💙 pic.twitter.com/gcmZgpgU7y
— Jennie Probert (@ProbertJennie) August 1, 2020
The Spitfire, belonging to the Aircraft Restoration Company, took off from Goodwood Aerodrome in Chichester at around 3pm and flew over hospitals in Portsmouth, Isle of Wight, Poole, Bournemouth, Southampton, Basingstoke, Frimley, Reading, Amersham and Oxford before making its way to Watford.
The Aircraft Restoration Company said on its Just Giving Page: "From a family member to a close friend or supportive neighbour, you can say thank you for their support through the Covid-19 pandemic by nominating their name to be written upon the NHS Spitfire. By doing so you will also be helping to raise money for the incredible people working and volunteering within our NHS.
“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 Spitfire over Watford
The Spitfire that made the flypast was specifically built and used for photo reconnaissance during the war, carrying cameras instead of weapons. It was also flown and air-raced by the famous female ATA pilot Lettice Curtis.
To donate to NHS Charities Together visit: justgiving.com/fundraising/nhsspitfire.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here