Largest gathering of classic Moths since WW2

The largest gathering of historic DH.60 Moths since World War Two is taking place to celebrate the plane's 100th anniversary.

Private collectors, some from overseas, have been flying their Moths to Shuttleworth Aerodrome near Biggleswade, Bedfordshire, on Thursday and Friday.

The event has been organised by The de Havilland Moth Club, which was founded on the plane's 50th anniversary.

The Moth was conceived and tested by Capt Geoffrey de Havilland, and the prototype was first flown in 1925.

Stuart McKay founded The de Havilland Moth Club

Stuart McKay, founder and secretary of the club, said: "We have waited 100 years for this unique opportunity."

Shuttleworth Aerodrome has described it as the largest gathering of the planes since the War, when they were used as training planes.

The Moth, a two-seater plane, was first flown by its designer at Stag Lane Aerodrome in London on 22 February 1925.

Its popularity led to de Havilland designing similar variants.

"It was a British invention that went around the world," Mr McKay said.

Jan Chism is visiting Shuttleworth from her home in New Zealand

Jan Chism, 71, has travelled to Shuttleworth from New Zealand, although she left her DH.60 at home.

Her father moved to England to join the RAF in 1932, but he eventually decided to buy a Moth and he flew home in 1934.

Ms Chism, who still owns the maps her father used, said: "He told me he thought he would get as far India... He had some narrow scrapes but he got to Sydney."

He shipped the plane to New Zealand, where it is now owned and flown by his daughter in Hastings.

"You're so much more with nature.... It's more of a challenge, actually, than these modern aeroplanes," she said.

"Sir Geoffrey could ever have imagined any of his aircraft would be flying 100 years later."