SPITFIRES are set to roar through the skies over South Marston to celebrate the centenary of the RAF.

The flypast comes as just one part of a big summer fete at the recreation ground by Old Vicarage Lane. Between 2pm and 5pm on July 7 guests will have a chance to learn about the RAF’s history in the village as well as enjoy a dog show, fairground rides, and a host of other family-friendly activities.

Craftsmen working in South Marston during the Second World War helped to manufacture a multitude of iconic aircraft, from the Miles Master, to the Stirling bomber to the Mark 21 Spitfire. Some of the hangars they built them in can still be seen in the industrial estates of the village, and they were crucial back-up bases when other airfields in the country were bombed.

Anthony Leathart, who is organising the event and providing commentary on the flypast, said: “The RAF have fought a lot of wars in the defence of the country, and especially important was the Battle of Britain.

“The Few prevented the invasion of this country by Hitler so it’s a very important centenary.”

Anthony’s father James was one of the 54 squadron in the famous air campaign. During the war he volunteered himself on a courageous rescue mission to save a pilot who was shot down in Calais-Marck.

Flying in a fluorescent yellow Miles Master trainer, James had to make an emergency landing while under heavy fire from German Messerschmitts. Luckily for him, he landed in the same ditch as Mr White, the very man he was looking for.

While the German army travelled to Dunkirk, the pair made their getaway in the plane. Anthony’s father was personally awarded with a Distinguished Service Order by King George.

Anthony, who was an aeronautical engineer for the RAF himself, added: “The story really made a difference to the person arranging the South Marston flypast. I’m very much looking forward to doing the commentary for it.”

Anthony’s wife Vanna is running the companion dog show at the fete. Competing pooches will be assessed by a championship show judge and compete in 15 categories, including five pedigree classes.

As a whippet breeder and editor of The Whippet Magazine, Vanna is excited about the competition.

She said: “It’s the first time we’ve had a dog show in South Marston for 20 years and we hope everyone enjoys what’s happening at the fete. Ten categories are open to all and we’ve got rosettes and prizes for the first six places in each class.

“I grew up in a house full of dogs and continued in my mother’s footsteps by breeding whippets. They look like a small greyhound and although they’re a running dog, they’re very loving and very addictive and once you own one you never want to own anything else.”

Dog entries are £2 per class and can be made from 1.30pm. The event also features a car boot sale, face painting and craft stalls among other things. Visitors can use the car park on the day for £1.