The NHS Spitfire came out of a clear blue sky and saluted the heroes in York Hospital below today (Tuesday).
And these magnificent pictures of the wartime icon were captured by Heather Storr, of Heather Louise Photography, as it flew over Fossway.
At the hospital dozens of doctors, nurses and other NHS staff gathered outside to watch the Spitfire circle twice and tip its wings, emblazoned with the words ‘Thank U NHS’.
After the disappointment of the original flight being cancelled, the plane arrived bang on time at 11.57am.
The excitement began to build when the sound of the Rolls-Royce engine was first heard.
A group of people gathered on the railway footbridge were first to spot her as she flew near Bootham Crescent and over to the hospital.
The Spitfire’s arrival was hailed with applause and cheers.
Then she headed off to the next stop – Friarage Hospital, Northallerton.
The plane, which worked on photo-reconnaissance missions during the Second World War, is touring UK hospitals and raising money for NHS Charities Together.
It belongs to the family-owned Aircraft Restoration Company. They first began flypasts as part of the ‘clap for carers’ tributes.