PEOPLE living on the Blackdown Hills and in the Wellington area were being treated to the spectacle of iconic Spitfire aircraft flying overhead today (August 7) and tomorrow.

A pair of two-seat Spitfires have stayed on at Dunkeswell Aerodrome following the airfield’s 80th anniversary celebrations at the weekend.

Spitfires at Dunkeswell Aerodrome today.
Spitfires at Dunkeswell Aerodrome today. (Chris Penney)

After putting on displays as part of Sunday’s entertainment, the Spitfires, which are operated by spitfires.com, were staying until Tuesday and offering flights for paying passengers.

Throughout Monday the Spitfires could be seen flying over the hills and circling the Wellington area.

The Dunkeswell celebrations proved to be a huge success despite the first day being cancelled at the last moment because of Met Office storm warnings.

Spitfires on the ground at Dunkeswell Aerodrome.
Spitfires on the ground at Dunkeswell Aerodrome. (Chris Penney)

It was a sell-out event as thousands of people packed the former wartime air base on Sunday when activities were finally allowed to go ahead.

Among the other activities to which visitors were treated were a wing walk, helicopter rides, static displays of aircraft and automobiles from across the ages, and vintage military vehicles dating to the First and Second World Wars.