Don't miss NHS Spitfire over Blackpool this morning - then Lancaster and Preston this afternoon

A Spitfire will be zooming high over the town - as well as Lancaster and Preston - as part of a special project to thank people who have made a positive contribution to others during the coronavirus pandemic.

The plane will appear above Blackpool Victoria Hospital at 11.26am, around 10 minutes later than originally planned.

The flyover is also helping to raise money for the NHS Charities Together, by asking the public to nominate names to feature on the aircraft, owned by the Aircraft Restoration Company, in return for a donation.

These names are nominated by the public as a way of recognising small acts of kindness throughout the Covid-19 pandemic.

From a family member to a kind neighbour, close friend or community hero, the public can now thank them with the unusual gesture.

The aim is to lift the spirits of those across the UK, many of whom are still living in some form of isolation, while also thanking the hospitals, communities and individuals who have been at the forefront of getting the country through the pandemic.

To submit a name, you will simply need to donate a minimum of £10 via the specific campaign’s JustGiving page, fund-raising for the NHS Charities Together, whose funds support staff, patients and volunteers across the country.

To have your name or the name of a loved one written onto the NHS Spitfire visit JustGiving.com/nhsspitfire.

The timings for Sunday are as follows:

11:26 Blackpool Victoria Hospital NHS

11:30 Blackpool Airport - Land

14:00 Blackpool Airport - Take Off

14:07 Royal Lancaster Infirmary NHS

14:13 Royal Preston Hospital NHS

Route timings are estimates and subject to slight change during flight