The blue Photo-Reconnaissance Spitfire carried the message "THANK U NHS" on its underside and took off from Duxford Airfield near Cambridge at 11am.

The plane made its way over Kent and Sussex, passing over hospitals including those in Eastbourne, Brighton and Worthing, before landing at Goodwood Aerodrome at 12.30pm.

Since the NHS' 72nd birthday on July 5, anyone with a family member of friend working in the healthcare service has been able to nominate them to have their name inscribed on the NHS Spitfire.

The blue NHS Spitfire could be seen in Sussex skies today

There is room for 80,000 names, and as these are added to the Spitfire the plane will do trips around the UK.

The aim is to lift the spirits of those across the country who are still in isolation amid the coronavirus pandemic, while giving thanks to workers on the frontline of the crisis and raising money for NHS Charities Together.

A minimum donation of £10 is required to nominate a loved one who you feel deserves recognition for their work or volunteering in the NHS.

More than £20,000 has been raised so far, and the deadline for donations and nominations is on September 20.

To donate, visit the JustGiving page.