IT is the latest boost to the Daily Echo’s campaign for a tribute to the Spitfire and the men and women who built and flew it, after Prime Minister Gordon Brown gave his public backing in the summer.

Designed by renowned British sculptor Kenneth Potts, the wire-mesh styled Spitfire will be held aloft by three pylons. Standing 25ft taller than the Civic Centre clock tower, lights projected at night on to the sculpture will illuminate the Spitfire in its numerous battle liveries.

The artist said: “Two or three sites were proposed. I looked all over the city, but my conclusion was the Town Quay was the most emotionally suitable spot. It needs to be in the town and people need to be able to approach it.

“This will be Southampton’s equivalent of New York’s Statue of Liberty and it could be a catalyst to develop the waterfront.”

A second phase of the project could also see the construction of a pavilion that would tell the story of RJ Mitchell and the Spitfire.

A full feasibility will now be carried out, including the testing of a scale model in a wind tunnel and detailed research into the construction.

The foundation has so far raised £30,000 from sponsors and the city council has committed £70,000. An international fundraising drive will be launched to raise the remaining estimated £1.5m so Southampton taxpayers’ will not be charged.