ENTHUSIASTS have launched a mission to build the first modern Spitfires in Europe and get them roaring over the Oxfordshire countryside again.

The Spitfire Club, based at Enstone Airfield, has already constructed three models of the iconic aircraft, mixing modern technology and authentic designs, and has now launched a fundraising campaign to complete a tribute squadron of 12.

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The daring plan is the brainchild of Thame-based Paul Fowler, 57, a lifelong wannabe Spitfire pilot.

He wants to give pilots the chance to experience flying the aircraft, something very few people are able to do with prices for the few remaining Second World War models reaching £3million.

The group is fundraising to build three more planes this year, with one set to be named after local hero Molly Rose, who flew Spitfires from aircraft factories to RAF units during the war.

Mr Fowler said: “It’s a beautiful plane that is as graceful as any sports car.

“It symbolises an era and is a beacon of hope and defiance, of getting back at our enemy.

“A good proportion of pilots give up flying after about five years and we wanted to give them a reason to keep going.”

The first planes were funded using a syndicate model where between 12 and 20 trained pilots got together to share the £220,000 cost of buying and building it and then have equal opportunity to take it out on flights.

But Mr Fowler said this model proved difficult and, after they were overwhelmed with people offering small amounts of support, they have now decided to crowd-fund the rest of the money.

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Starting from a donation of £20, anyone can chip in towards a new plane and in return will receive benefits including the chance to go to the hangar, work on the plane and attend open days.

A scroll featuring all the names of people who helped to build and design the planes will be sealed inside the aircraft.

Volunteer builder Peter Ayles, 69 from Deddington, said the planes arrive in a packing crate, a bit like a giant Airfix model.

He follows a step-by-step manual to construct the plane which are 10 per cent smaller than the originals and use a car engine.

It then has to past rigorous safety tests with the Light Aircraft Association before it is able to fly.

Trevor Bailey, from Cheltenham, was one of the first to sign up to own a share of the spitfire and now flies it at least once a month.

He admits to feeling nervous before take off but says that is a good thing.

He added: “They are great fun to fly but can be a challenge.

“There is a lot going on and it’s not very comfortable.

“I think most pilots are wannabe spitfire pilots but will never get the chance and this is our only opportunity.”