HOMAGE has been paid to one of the greatest feats of British engineering by an Ulverston sculptor and blacksmith.

A Spitfire now towers over a former factory site which during the Second World War producing aluminium to make the iconic aircraft.

Ulverston artist Chris Brammall recently unveiled the 5m installation at a ceremony at the new headquarters of DCS Group, in Banbury, Oxfordshire.

During the 1930s the location was the site of the Northern Aluminium Company. The metal they produced went into making the fighter plane which ultimately won the Battle of Britain in the summer of 1940.

Mr Brammall was invited by Denys Shortt OBE, CEO of DCS Group, to pay tribute to the aeronautical heritage of the area.

VIDEO: Watch incredible modern day footage of a Spitfire taking flight.

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Mr Brammall said: "It was a real honour to be asked by Denys to build this sculpture which has been a very personal project for me. From an initial sketch and idea I've been able to get into the workshop and work with the team to build what is an absolutely fantastic and inspiring sculpture as well as a stunning piece of engineering."

Christned 'The Ally' in reference to the area's past the sculpture has been designed give the effect of flowing ribbons of aluminium gradually morphing into a Spitfire. A compass ring set into the ground around the base represents aviation and navigation with the Spitfire positioned heading North.

Mr Shortt added: "Personally I've long been an admirer of Chris and his work. I'm thrilled he was able to design and build this sculpture for DCS and our new premises in Banbury. 'The Ally' is a very fitting tribute and tells the story of the sites rich history and heritage."

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Learn more about the iconic British fighter plane

The Spitfire’s maiden flight was on March 5th 1936. It finally entered service with the Royal Air Force in 1938. It remained in service with the RAF until 1955.

During this time, 20,351 Spitfires were built and about 50 are still flying in 2007.

Though it is assumed that ‘Spitfire’ came from the aeroplane’s awesome firing capabilities, it was also an Elizabethan word that meant someone who had a fiery character. Other names considered for the aeroplane were ‘Snipe’ and ‘Shrew’.

The fighter first saw action over foreign soil during the Allied evacuation at Dunkirk in the summer of 1940.

The Spitfire was on the front line of the Battle of Britain alongside the Hawker Hurricane.

During the battle the German Luftwaffe lost 1,887 planes from July to October. The RAF lost 1,547.

Read more:

Veterans prepare to pay tribute during the anniversary of the Battle of Britain

Read how the airfields of Cumbria helped win the war in the skies during the Second World War

Tributes have been paid to the Barrow Spitfire veteran who once told Prince William a dirty joke