THREE brass memorial Spitfires have been donated to the grave of an RAF pilot, after the original was stolen earlier this month.

Robert Wilson, who regularly attends a relative's grave next to the military cemetery at Bournemouth Crematorium, was stunned to discover the theft had taken place.

The brass Spitfire had stood on the grave of World War Two Pilot Officer Cecil Hight, from New Zealand, who was killed protecting the skies and the people of Bournemouth on April 15, 1940.

Mr Wilson said: "He is one of 'The Few' and one of the 449 Battle of Britain fighter pilots who stood between the dark abyss or victory, at a moment when Britain fought on alone against Germany."

Mr Wilson explained the original brass Spitfire had been placed on the grave by a man who, as a young boy, stood and watched the fatal air battle which claimed the life of Cecil Hight, unfold.

After contacting the Echo to highlight the theft, a number of people came forward - or contacted armed forces charities - registering their disgust.

Local man Mark Sullivan had already purchased a brass Spitfire from a charity shop when he learned of the theft from his neighbour, so decided to donate it.

Another Daily Echo reader donated one, and when we caught up with Mr Wilson and Mr Sullivan as they tended the grave on Friday, a third brass Spitfire had been left on top of the headstone.

Mr Wilson said: "If the brass Spitfire was taken by a young boy running and playing amongst the graves in Boscombe Military Cemetery, then I'm sure Cecil Hight and all his 190 war graves companions will laugh, smile to themselves, bless him and wish him luck as there is a type of beauty, yes beauty in that event.

"However, if the Spitfire was removed by an adult without approval, please return it to its rightful place."