Spitfires and rare WW1 bomber at historic base

This Mk9 Spitfire is said to be the only one of its kind still flying that was originally painted in desert camouflage

Two different Spitfires and a rare World War One bomber are set to perform at a historic aerodrome over the course of a single week.

The aircraft will appear at Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome - said to be the largest surviving WW1 aerodrome in the world.

It will host The Stow Maries Air Show on Saturday 23 August where one of the Spitfires will be joined by the only airworthy De Havilland DH-9 in the world.

The second Spitfire - part of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight - will perform at a second event a week later.

'Exciting'

The LZ842 Spitfire is understood to be the only one of its kind still flying that was originally painted in desert camouflage.

Weather-permitting, the air show will also play host to a rare DH-9 aircraft - the E8894/G-CDLI - described as the only airworthy one of its type in the world.

On 30 August, the aerodrome will host its Back to the WW2 Farm event, when a second Spitfire will perform from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.

Ian Flint, the aerodrome's chief executive, described the events as "exciting".

Stow Maries aerodrome was established in 1916 and played a key role in defending London from German Zeppelin attacks.

It received a lottery grant of £4.3m in 2017 for its restoration.