On October 28 at Biggin Hill Airport, South London Air Scouts will be helping raise funds to keep a genuine Second World War Spitfire airworthy.

In collaboration with the living history group RAF At War, they will be helping to show the public around the Spirit of Kent Spitfire Mk IX, in an authentic setting, complete with pilots and groundcrew.

Opposite a wartime dispersal hut and in front of one of the original blast shelters, the public will have the opportunity for an up close and personal' examination of this famous machine, including (weather permitting) a chance to sit in the cockpit.

Scouts' air adviser Ian Piper said: "We are delighted to help raise funds to keep this icon of British history airworthy.

"Having your photo taken in a genuine World War II Spitfire in its dispersal at Biggin Hill is a special opportunity."

Spitfire pilot Clive Denney said: "It costs nearly £100,000 a year to keep this machine airworthy, and the public interest in the Spitfire grows all the time.

"We are delighted to allow the public this unique chance to see it at first-hand and support its continued operation."

Visitors should enter Biggin Hill Airport from the roundabout on the A233 (Main Road) - not the Executive Terminal, and follow the signs.

The guided tours will be available from 10am to 12.30pm and from 2pm to 4pm.

Guided tour around the Spitfire costs £5 per person, guided tour plus picture in the cockpit costs £10 per person.