A WORLD War Two fighter pilot made an emotional return to the cockpit of a Spitfire during Kendal’s weekend of RAF centenary celebrations.

Seven decades after he took to the war-torn skies, 95-year-old great-great-grandfather Vinnie Smith climbed aboard a hand-built replica of the iconic aircraft.

The retired Kendal tailor was just 17 when he joined the RAF in February 1941. Family members travelled from across the country to watch the momentous occasion.

“It was absolutely remarkable,” said Brian Harrison, vice-chair of Kendal Business Improvement District, which brought the Spitfire to Kendal’s New Road.

“It was almost like a time of reflection because he looked at the aircraft, he climbed in and they shut the canopy, and it was almost as if we could hear the ‘rev’ of memories in his mind.”

Mr Smith said the cockpit instruments were exactly as he remembered but he was surprised how “terribly small” the cockpit was. “I never thought about it when I was flying,” he said.

The experience brought back many memories which were too difficult to talk about, he told the Gazette. “My memories of the war were very sad. We lost a lot of friends. My brother was killed as well.”

The 95-year-old said he had not expected so many people to be watching, and added: “It’s surprising after all this time.”

Penny Blamire, Mr Smith’s daughter, said she had tears in her eyes, and her father knew the Spitfire “back to front”.

“It can’t be very pleasant sitting in a Spitfire again after what he went through in the war, but for us it was special to see him,” she said.

“We hadn’t realised how big the Spitfire was, and standing next to it I just couldn’t imagine my dad flying it. He’s quite a small man, he’s very quiet, he just doesn’t boast or anything. It was very emotional.”

She added: “I think the whole family is immensely proud.”

Also taking part in the weekend were Kendal Air Cadets. The squadron's Flight Lieutenant Tim Corry said: "It has been an inspirational day for everyone, with four generations brought together by a mutual fascination with this glorious national icon and the veterans who flew and kept them in the air."

Mr Harrison, of Kendal BID, said the many visitors had included a veteran air engineer who recalled how slippery the Spitfire’s wings were as he climbed aboard; and a woman who reminisced about her days at RAF Morecambe in the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force.

Meanwhile, Sunday’s parade of veterans and air cadets - called off due to weather concerns - is to be rearranged.