IT'S an idea that has received the full backing of Southampton's aviation museum, business community and the majority of the public.

Now the long overdue move to honour the Spitfire, the iconic Second World War fighter plane which was designed and built in the city, looks like it could finally take-off with full political support.

Today council leisure chiefs were thrashing out how to pay for the life-size replica bronze statue.

Councillor John Hannides, Cabinet member for leisure and culture, confirmed his officers were putting together a proposal to submit to SEEDA, the regional development agency.

"The administration is fully supportive and Cabinet is behind it. We are very keen to secure it for the city," he said.

"It will be a fitting tribute to the Spitfire and the contribution it made to the Second World War.

Worthwhile He added: "We hope with the support it gets it will be seen as a worthwhile project. I will do whatever I can to facilitate it."

A campaign to build a Spitfire monument on the Chilworth roundabout six years ago failed due to lack of funding.

Despite supporting the idea the ruling Labour group failed to push for the cash needed.

At the time a Daily Echo phone poll of 789 people found 99 per cent in favour of a Spitfire.

The idea has been revived by Tories who took power in May.

Sq Ldr Alan Jones, director of the Solent Sky Museum, said: "I'm delighted this council has changed its attitude."

"The impact of Southampton having a Spitfire would be enormous.

"It's of great importance to the city.

"When the Woolston factory was bombed in 1940 and production was lost, people all over Southampton started building it in garages, bus stations - wherever they could. There were 8,000 built by the end of the war."

A spokesman for the Southampton Partnership, a business pressure group, said: "The Spitfire is one of the city's most important and exciting innovations and we should be proud to showcase our incredible aviation heritage. Our city has a lot to be proud of and hopefully this will be the first of many tributes to what we have achieved."

The statue, with a 30ft wingspan, is expected to cost about £200,000.

Although possible sites have not been confirmed, the roundabout near the De Vere Grand Harbour Hotel has emerged as a frontrunner.