The tour of the full-size replica – built by six volunteers from the Ripon branch of the Royal British Legion (RBL) – can go ahead after Bill Plant Ltd, a national driving school with its headquarters in the city, lent the branch two vehicles and an exhibition unit to transport the 1.75-tonne Spitfire around the country.

Branch chairman Howard Whiting said: “Interest in the aircraft is immense, but it’s not an easy thing to take around. In fact, travel arrangements to airshows and events were a nightmare until Bill Plant Ltd stepped in.”

The 31ft-long replica, which is made from aluminium and has detachable wings, took 7,000 man-hours over a period of 11 months to build.

Since it was unveiled in July last year, requests for the Spitfire to appear at events have flooded in from all over the country and visits to Merseyside, Tyne and Wear, Devon and Cambridgeshire are planned.

Funds raised from appearances will help the RBL support ex-service personnel and their families.

Bill Plant, managing director of Bill Plant Ltd, said: “We are very proud to have the opportunity to be able to help in this way to support the Royal British Legion and its work with servicemen past and present – in particular those involved in recent conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq.”

The replica aircraft touches down on Ripon market square on Saturday, May 17, for VE Day celebrations and will visit Masham Steam Rally and The Great Yorkshire Show in July.