Brit pilots land Silver Spitfire back in UK after epic round-the-world trip

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Rebecca Speare-Cole5 December 2019

A newly restored Spitfire has landed back in the UK after two British pilots flew the iconic World War Two fighter plane around the world.

Steve Brooks, 58, and Matt Jones, 45, took four months to circle the globe in the first trip of its kind in a Spitfire.

The trip involved stopping off at 100 locations in 30 countries.

As it arrived back at the Goodwood Aerodrome in West Sussex, the Spitfire was flanked by two RAF Red Arrows in a triumphant display.

The Spitfire was flanked by two RAF Red Arrows as it arrived back at the Goodwood Aerodrome in West Sussex.
PA

After landing Mr Jones was greeted by his partner Nikkolay James and their nine week-old baby, Arthur Jones for a heartwarming reunion.

The project, called Silver Spitfire - The Longest Flight, started and finished at Goodwood Aerodrome - the base of Boultbee Flight Academy, which was the first-ever school for Spitfire pilots.

Mr Jones was greeted by his wife and nine-month-old baby
PA

A glitzy event was held for the departure in August attended by celebrities including Gone Girl actor Rosamund Pike, Rocketman star Taron Egerton and former Formula One driver David Coulthard.

Mr Coulthard said ahead of the arrival: "Seeing you off was very emotional and it's fantastic to know it's been a great, successful trip."

The single-seater Mk IX Spitfire, originally built in 1943, was followed by a chase plane for safety.

It took a route up to Scotland, then westbound across the US, Canada, Japan, Russia, India, Europe and back to Britain.

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