Spitfire flyover confirmed for Batley Vintage Day

Batley Business Association (BBA) has secured a Spitfire flyover for the event on May 31.

Vice chairman Robert Oldfield applied to the RAF for a Battle of Britain Memorial Flight to whizz over the town centre to make the first ever Batley Vintage Day extra special.

The flyover has been confirmed by the RAF, subject to weather conditions and the availability of fighter pilots.

Robert, of Admiral Security, Batley, said: “I’m amazed we have got it.

“I know people who have been trying for an age so it’s unbelievable to get a flyover on the first try.”

BBA chairman Andrew Marsden said it would make a fantastic photo opportunity.

“If you could photograph it flying over the town hall or library that would be amazing,” he said.

“It takes the Vintage Day up a level, because people will come just to see the Spitfire.”

He added that Batley bought its own Spitfire plane with donations raised in the town during the second world war.

It first flew in March 1941 and was assigned to the squadron who provided air cover for the D Day Landings.

This year is the 70th anniversary of the D Day operation – see next week’s paper for more.

Batley Vintage Day will make its debut in the market place and memorial gardens on Saturday May 31, 10am-5pm.

A vintage market will be accompanied by live entertainment, dancing, sport and cooking workshops and a vintage car display.

The free event is also supporting Batley Food Bank by encouraging visitors to “bring a tin to get in”.