THERE will be a few more magnificent men in their flying machines swooping over Oxford thanks to a new Spitfire academy.

The academy was launched yesterday at Oxford Airport, in Kidlington, when its first four students enrolled.

The course, which is run by the Boultbee Flight Academy, will allow its students to train in a restored two-seater Mark IX Supermarine Spitfire.

The students include George Duncan from the Civil Aviation Authority, Brian Jones, managing director of Aeronautics Ltd and David Nott, a wing commander in the RAF Reserves.

Several Battle of Britain veterans were also in attendence to wish the students well.

Molly Rose, 90 who was in the Air Transport Auxilliary, said: “It was extremely exciting and we had a lovely day.

“I flew about 37 types of aircraft and the Spitfire was my favourite. It was wonderfully responsive. They have promised me a ride in one.

“I hope it is going to be a tremendous success.”