A SPITFIRE emblazoned with the words Thank U NHS was pictured flying over Poole Hospital this afternoon.

It was one of a number of hospitals to receive a special flypast from the plane, which is also decorated with the names of people across the country recognised for their help and support during lockdown.

Cambridge based family owned businesses Aircraft Restoration Company are offering people the chance to nominate the name of a loved one that will be handwritten onto the blue photo-reconnaissance Spitfire to raise money for NHS Charities Together.

The aircraft set off from Goodwood Aerodrome at 3pm, flying past around a dozen hospitals including Poole, Bournemouth and Christchurch.

To submit a name, members of the public need to donate a minimum of £10 via the company’s specific campaign’s JustGiving page, fundraising for the NHS Charities Together, whose funds support staff, patients and volunteers across the country.

In return for their donation, their nominated name will be one of those written on the Spitfire, which has an 80,000-name capacity.

To nominate a loved one, visit justgiving.com/nhsspitfire, or to find out more, visit www.aircraftrestorationcompany.com.