Spitfire to be 'symbol of bravery' in city parade

The replica Spitfire will be placed at Durham's Millennium Place

A reproduction Spitfire aircraft "will act as a striking symbol of the bravery and sacrifice of those who served in conflict" on Remembrance Sunday.

This year marks the 80th anniversary of the end of World War Two and the 85th anniversary of the Battle of Britain.

To mark the occasion, Durham County Council says the only hand-built, full-size reproduction Spitfire MK IX will feature on the route of Durham City's annual Remembrance Parade on 9 November.

The authority said its armed forces champion, councillor Andrew Harrison, had wanted to "do something special" to mark the notable anniversaries.

"Remembrance Sunday and Remembrance Day [on 11 November] provide an opportunity for us all to reflect on the sacrifices of those who have fought to defend the freedoms and way of life we enjoy today," Harrison said.

"This year is especially poignant. The daring feats of Spitfire pilots epitomise the bravery of servicemen and servicewomen who served in the Second World War and other conflicts around the world, before and after."

Service of Remembrance

Hundreds of serving members of the armed forces will march through the city, led by the Band and Bugles of Durham Army Cadet Force and The Rifles - the descendants of the Durham Light Infantry.

The parade will go through Market Place and proceed past the replica Spitfire at Millennium Place.

Durham Cathedral will also be holding a Remembrance Sunday service attended by invited personnel and veterans.

Seats for members of the public will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.

In a further act of remembrance, landmarks across the county will be illuminated, including the Tommy statue in Seaham, and a poppy will be projected on to County Hall in Aykley Heads from Friday 7 to Sunday 9 November.