The Lancaster flypast will not be taking place this Thursday as part of Southampton's D-Day commemoration after the death of a Spitfire pilot in memorial flight. 

Southampton is set to host a memorial event in the city to mark the 80-aniversary of D-Day with a parade through the city centre to commemorate this historic occasion.

As previously reported in the Echo, An Avro Lancaster PA474 was set to take to the skies over the city on June 6 before flying over the Bargate Monument at around 11.28am. 

Today, June 3, Southampton City Council announced on Facebook that the Lancaster flypast would no longer be going ahead. 

This comes after the tragic death of RAF Squadron Leader, Mark Long, who died after a Spitfire crashed during the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight on May 25 near to RAF Coningsby. 

Defence Accident Investigation Branch are now investigating the circumstances of the fatal crash. 

In its Facebook post the City Council said: "Following the tragic accident last month, all BBMF aircraft are still grounded.

"This means the Lancaster flypast will not be taking place this Thursday as part of Southampton's D-Day 80 commemoration.

"Our thoughts are with everyone at RAF and Squadron Leader Mark Long's family."

Despite missing the Lancaster flypast, residents in Southampton will still have the chance to take part in other commemorative D-Day events across the city.

A commemorative service will be held at around 7.30pm at Holyrood Church in the city centre, which was destroyed by enemy bombing during the Blitz in November 1940.

The service will be conducted by The Right Reverend Philip Mounstephen, Bishop of Winchester and attended by the Lord Mayor of Southampton, veterans, and contingents from the 17 Port & Maritime Regiment.

Following the service, The Regiment, the RLC Corps of Drums and Army Band Tidworth will lead a parade through the city centre to commemorate this historic occasion.

The parade will make its way through the High Street and will conclude in Guildhall Square.

When the troops arrive in Guildhall Square, the Lord Mayor of Southampton will light the D-Day 80 Beacon as part of the National Beacon Initiative.