FORMER flight sergeant Mike Parker believes that Southampton's elusive 'Wow' factor can be found in the city's historic connection with Britain's most famous fighter plane - the Spitfire.

Mr Parker also believes that the city does not trumpet its connection with the sailing of the Mayflower nearly enough.

The 71-year-old has two sisters who are both American. On their last visit to the city, they were amazed to discover that the Mayflower did not sail from Plymouth with the Pilgrim Fathers as they had always thought - but had instead set sail from Southampton.

He said: "While they recognised all the names engraved on the memorial, they were unable to accept that the Mayflower sailed from Southampton in the first instance. American history apparently makes it clear that it all began in Plymouth.

"Apart from the Mayflower Park and Mayflower Theatre, I couldn't think of anything else to support the case for Southampton. Surely with Southampton's actual involvement in the creation of the greatest nation on earth, there should be something really substantial to see."

Mr Parker, of Mortimer Close, Netley, added that Southampton's involvement with the Spitfire was well documented but there was no evidence of a 'Spitfire Culture' in the city.

He said: "Bearing in mind that the Battle of Britain was arguably the greatest battle ever fought by Great Britain, and the crucial part played by the Spitfire and the gallant RAF pilots, where is this highlighted in Southampton?

"The aviation museum Solent Sky does a fine job but there should be a Spitfire on every roundabout as you enter Southampton.

"There should be a Spitfire culture in Southampton with memorabilia freely available to locals as well as to visitors.

"Where is the in-your-face memorial to Flt Lt JB Nicholson who won a Victoria Cross in battle actually over Southampton? Where is the in-your-face memorial to the Spitfire designer, RJ Mitchell?"