A MUSEUM is marking the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Britain with a special week to celebrate one of the Second World War’s iconic aircraft.

From September 21 to 27, the Army Flying Museum will be playing host to a full-sized replica Spitfire, an art exhibition, and an exhibition of Middle Wallop during the Battle of Britain.

The popular visitor attraction sits next door to the Army Air Corps airfield, which was formerly known as RAF Middle Wallop and was declared operational in April 1940 and became a Spitfire base during the Battle of Britain, hosting key squadrons and their aces.

The event will feature a Spitfire on display from the Lagunas Spitfire Legacy, an organisation created to make a lasting tribute to the Battle of Britain pilots.

Aviation artist Philip West, a member of the Guild of Aviation artists, will be displaying a number of his paintings in a special exhibition for the week.

Paul Beaver, museum trustee and aviation historian, said: “We are celebrating the area’s relationship with the Spitfire which not only played a significant role in the Battle of Britain but flew from here for 17 years.

“It seems only right that we can remember the men and women who designed, developed, built and flew the Spitfire.”