A FULL-size replica of a Spitfire aircraft will go on display in Kendal as part of the town's celebrations of 100 years of the RAF.

The aircraft, which is one of a kind, took more than 20 years to build and was completed in May 2010 using genuine Spitfire parts and designed from copies of the original drawings.

Kendal BID is spending nearly £3,000 to bring the hand-built reproduction from its home in Lowestoft, Suffolk.

It was built by the team at Simply Spitfire, which loans the aircraft for promotional work, exhibitions, airshows and TV work.

The Spitfire will go on display on New Road over the weekend of August 18/19.

"This is without doubt an opportunity for people of Kendal to see up close an example of this iconic aircraft," said Brian Harrison, vice-chair of Kendal BID.

There are also plans for a celebration parade on the Sunday and Mr Harrison wants the community to get involved.

"Royal Air Force Air Cadets will parade, as will we hope members of the Royal Air Force Association but we know that does not include all those who have been a part of 100 years of RAF history," he said.

"Through meeting people on Wings Appeal Days we know there are others from this area who have served in the RAF, or they are relatives of RAF veterans who served. "As for instance I met the daughter of a World War Two Spitfire pilot who was very proud of her father’s service and quite rightly so.

"We would like to know if there are ex-RAF personnel or relatives of ex-RAF personnel who would like to participate in this parade to recognise their service or the service of relatives."

He added: "While our plans are still being finalised we would like to know who would like to be a part of this special and unique occasion. It could be marching, walking or in wheelchairs in the parade, for all the route or a part of it."

To register an interest contact Mr Harrison on brian@bandmharrison.co.uk