LAST minute technical hitches have stalled the unveiling of a close to full size sculpture of a Spitfire fighter aircraft at Eastleigh.

On Monday a commemorative statue of a Spitfire prototype was scheduled to be placed, with some pomp and ceremony, just a few metres away from where the legendary Battle of Britain fighter made its maiden flight.

It will be built from steel and aluminium and will go on the roundabout at the entrance to Southampton Airport.

It was hoped that the unveiling ceremony would include a fly-past by a lone Spitfire. The event was billed as part of a month-long festival focusing on heritage in Eastleigh borough.

Now the council says the sculpture can't be unveiled until the spring of next year. The explanation is that there are difficulties creating the right colour for the model - and making sure it doesn't fade or go rusty.

A council spokesman said: "Getting the accurate details for the finishing touches has resulted in additional time being needed to create the same sky blue colour of the prototype and to ensure that the sculpture remains durable.

"The sculpture of the prototype Spitfire K5054 is unique and has been built from Reginald Mitchell's own plans. While other sculptures of Spitfires have been created, these were of production aircraft where the manufacturer's plans were more readily available.

"The sculptor didn't want to compromise on quality and wanted to keep perfect attention to detail."

It is hoped that the unveiling of the memorial will coincide with the anniversary of the first flight by a Spitfire from the airfield at Eastleigh.

"RG's" prototype Spitfire, was unveiled on Thursday, March 5, 1936 at what was then known as Eastleigh Airport.

The test pilot that day Joseph "Mutt" Summers.

The council spokesman said: "A recent award of £12,600 from the Heritage Lottery Fund's Young Roots programme will mean that the spring unveiling will also tie in with the screening of Spitfires over Eastleigh - a documentary film being made about the history of the Spitfire in the town.

"The documentary project, managed by Eastleigh council's media development officer Crispian Cook, will involve young people who will research, collate and present the history of the Spitfire in a local history project."

Eastleigh arts officer Gerry Wall said: "The unveiling of the sculpture is just one of many events and activities that will remember the Spitfire in Eastleigh.

"The sculpture will be an important landmark for both local people and international air travellers when they visit the region."