Video: Hundreds gather to celebrate as NHS Spitfire passes over Pinderfields Hospital

The historic plane flew over dozens of hospitals across Yorkshire and the North East this morning as part of an effort to pay tribute to NHS staff for their work throughout the coronavirus pandemic.

Emblazoned with the words "Thank U NHS" and the names of thousands of staff, patients and supporters, it completed two circles of the hospital before continuing on to its next location.

The Aircraft Restoration Company, who are behind the flight, raised more than £91,000 for NHS Charities Together as part of their fundraiser earlier this year.

They said: "We hope to see as many of you as possible throughout the duration of this project and will be flying a number of routes across different parts of the nation throughout the year.

"You can show others were you have seen the Spitfire by tagging any pictures or videos you capture with the hashtag #NHSSPITFIRE

"To have your name hand written onto this Spitfire simply visit the projects JustGiving page via this link: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/nhsspitfire"

!The aim is to lift the spirits of those across the UK, many of whom are still living in some form of isolation, whilst also thanking the hospitals, communities and individuals who have been at the forefront of getting the country through the pandemic."

Photos from the scene show hundreds of hospital staff gathered at the front of the building to watch the flypast, as well as excitedly watching out of windows.

The flight had initially been planned for earlier in the month, but was halted due to bad weather.

You can see the plane's full flight path here.