Visitors get close to iconic spitfire aircraft at special event held at Imperial War Museum Duxford

Thousands of visitors enjoyed a nostalgic day out on Saturday by getting up close to some iconic aircraft.

IWM Duxford hosted its Spitfires, Merlins and Motors event, which included a static display of Spitfires and Hurricanes and the chance to meet members of the Spitfire Society, who answered visitors’ burning questions.

Also there was the RAF Regiment Historic Flight living history group, presenting the history of the RAF Regiment and its predecessors. They demonstrated some of the tasks required to prepare an aircraft for its next wartime sortie.

Members of the group portrayed the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force and showed how ladies kept patriotically elegant during the Second World War, with a display of items used on the Home Front.

In the foyer entrance of AirSpace, visitors met staff from the Royal Air Force Museum Cosford, dressed as 1940s civilians and celebrating the achievements of women in aviation, with a mini-exhibition showcasing the inspirational women who helped to shape aviation history.

Visitors had the chance to sit in a Spitfire and, throughout the afternoon, a series of Spitfires took to the skies for short flying displays.

Hundreds of classic and contemporary motors were also on display across the museum, including vintage Rolls-Royce cars, MGs, Bentleys and Morgans.

The roar of a Merlin and Griffon engine could be heard as they sparked into life for visitors to see, next to the American Air Museum.