IT WAS chocks away for Southampton's Mayor Councillor Parvin Damani when she helped launch the Royal Air Force's "Wings Week" appeal at Southampton's Bargate.

The mayor took control of a replica Spitfire - the Southampton-designed and built aircraft which helped Britain defeat the Nazi war machine in the Battle of Britain more than 60 years ago.

The aircraft was on loan from Southampton's Hall of Aviation to help raise funds for the RAF's "Wings Week" appeal, which gives money to air crew and their families.

The mayor was presented with the first set of wings to launch the appeal.

Squadron Leader Alan Jones from the Hall of Aviation said that although there were fewer and fewer veterans from World War Two in need of help conflicts around the world including Kosovo and the Gulf ensured that there was still a need for funds.