How the Leeds Spitfire Fund proved a soaraway success

By Andrew Hutchinson

Published 8th Jan 2021, 16:58 BST

Updated 8th Jan 2021, 17:02 BST

It was the Leeds fund which raised close on £30,000 for a new spitfire.

The appeal was launched in 1940 by members of the 609 West Riding Squadron who were originally composed of volunteers and was based at Leeds Bradford Airport.

They flew Spitfires and won distinction during the Battle of Britain, being the 1st Spitfire Squadron to shoot down 100 enemy aircraft.