AN estimated 30,000 motor enthusiasts turned out for Birkenhead’s Festival of Transport at the weekend.

Among the attractions were steam engines, a dog show and a Spitfire – which took centre stage as part of the 75th anniversary celebrations for Battle Of Britain.

Ken Fretwell, chairman of Birkenhead Lions, told the Globe: “It was a fantastic day, thanks to everyone who helped make the event such a success.

“I would say the star attractions were the dog show and the Spitfire.

“At this stage we don’t have a final figure on how much was raised. What I can say, from the money raised by admission charges, is that we have raised enough to secure the event for next year.”

The Spitfire's appearance marked the 75th Anniversary of the Battle of Britain.

The event mark the formal launch of the 'Tribute to Lesotho Project' which will see a replica Spitfire being presented to the government of Lesotho from the people of Great Britain before it is placed in the Royal Palace on public view.

Wirral Globe:
Rob Harrison, from Anfield, with the replica Spitfire.

The Spitfire Heritage Trust had organised the initiative to celebrate the importance of the iconic aircraft and strengthen links with Commonwealth countries who contributed towards Britain's forces during the second world war.

The Kingdom of Lesotho is one little - known African country (formerly Basutoland) which provided Britain with 24 spitfire fighter planes in 1940 - enough to supply two entire RAF squadrons.

Speaking ahead of last weekend's festival Ian Hewitt, co-founder of the Spitfire Heritage Trust, said: "We are delighted that the Spitfire will be welcomed at the Birkenhead Park Festival of Transport and thrilled that the event will mark the launch of the Lesotho Project.

"Not many people are aware that this tiny country, with a population of just 400,00, made such a hugely generous gesture at a time when Britain's forces desperately needed help.

"The Project will raise awareness of Lethoso's vital contribution to the war effort and will also mark the beginning of a number of initiatives aimed at strengthening links between the two countries and children of Liverpool and Lesotho.

"The Spitfire is a truly remarkable aircraft flown by ordinary people. It is fantastic that members of the public can now come and experience it for themselves in Birkenhead."


Pictures from the day....

Wirral Globe:
John Adams from Moreton looks to be having a great time.

Wirral Globe:
Philip Owston with his 4" scale single crank compound engine.

Wirral Globe:

Wirral Globe:
14-year-old Jake Clarke with his dad's 1924 steam tractor.

For more pictures from the festival, click here.