Our Very Own Spitfliers

Dreams come true as Express readers fly in warplane

- John Ingham

They had dreamed for years of flying a Spitfire – now the Daily Express has helped two readers reach for the skies in one.

Chris Foster and Joan Elliott were the winners of our contest to soar aloft in the iconic fighter from a Battle of Britain base.

For military history buff Chris the flight ended in tears – of joy.

The retired businessman took off from Biggin Hill in a Spitfire decked in the Pacific War camouflage of 457 Squadron, Royal Australian Air Force complete with shark’s teeth.

After flying over Kent and performing a Victory Roll, the 70-year-old found it hard to come back to earth – taking his time to leave the two-seater trainer on landing.

Wiping away tears of happiness and struggling to speak he said finally: “There wasn’t a best bit. It was all the best bit. I just cannot believe it, for a lad like me to have flown a Spitfire.

“I was allowed to take the controls, just for a little while.

I thought of the immense cost of this historic plane and I let the pilot take it back.

“To think of the young lads who went to war in these planes for us. It took more than courage.

“When we did the Victory Roll at first I was worried but I soon realised how fantastic it was.”