PRIME Minister Gordon Brown has thrown his support behind the Daily Echo's campaign for a tribute to the Spitfire.

Mr Brown is so keen to see a towering memorial to the Second World War fighter plane take pride of place in Southampton that he will officially launch the international fundraising drive at 10 Downing Street in the summer.

The Daily Echo can today reveal he will host a reception for 60 official sponsors of the Spitfire Tribute Foundation at his London residence on June 5.

The high profile event is expected to raise tens of thousands of pounds and take the ongoing campaign to recognise the Spitfire - and the men and women who built and flew it - to the world stage.

Southampton Itchen MP John Denham - who approached his party leader for support - said the project was of national significance.

He said: "The Spitfire is symbolic of so many things, it represents the historical importance of Southampton and what is the best of Britain."

Backing plans for a 100ft Spitfire standing on its tail, Mr Denham said the project, dubbed Spitfire of the South, could be a defining icon.

"I think the Angel of the North is magnificent and while we must not just copy that, we could create something that has a similar sense of identity and pride that would be a landmark for the south of England."

Conservative councillor John Hannides, who has led the campaign, said the announcement was a massive boost to the foundation's ambitious plans.

"It is a project that now has the backing of the Prime Minister and will only go from strength to strength," he said.

"It's going to give us the opportunity to reach a national and international audience, which is vital for this to succeed."

Initial concept plans for the memorial have so far received a mixed reaction and Southampton City Council is holding talks with several designers about their vision for a memorial.

It is hoped the structure would stand over 100ft high and could cost between £1m and £2m with a visitor centre and observation area.

The council has already pledged £70,000 for a feasibility study, while funding for construction will be sought from government bodies, private business sponsorship and public subscription.

The campaign was launched after the Southampton Partnership, an unelected group of community leaders, rejected a funding bid to create a replica bronze Spitfire.